Experience biomimicry in one of our most biodiverse workshop biomes as you explore the rainforests and reefs of Costa Rica for a hands-on introduction to nature’s genius. This cutting-edge professional training is designed to inspire you to discover better ways to innovate via the methodology that change-makers around the world are using to create sustainable, disruptive innovations that help solve some of Earth’s most pressing challenges.
We will explore Costa Rica’s mangroves by kayak, snorkel among parrotfish in the coral reef, hike through the unique páramo and learn about the wonders of the rainforest with a local expert. Every immersion workshop is tailored to the local ecosystem, setting up each day to be brimming with training and discovery. You should plan to clear your agenda and fully immerse yourself in the biomimicry experience.
Upon completing this immersion workshop, you will be able to begin to integrate the practice of biomimicry into your work and life. The workshop experience will prepare you to:
Brittany Jerlinga | Brittany Jerlinga regularly gets excited about mucus, misunderstood creatures, and things that go bump in the night. Holding a Masters of Arts in teaching, she has spent the last 16 years using storytelling and the arts to teach science. Brittany’s interdisciplinary, experiential approach, combined with her boundless curiosity and love of biology, has made her a cherished educator. Her course “How Nature Works” at ASU is often cited as a favorite among students. In collaboration with fellow staff at Biomimicry 3.8, Brittany’s research and storytelling skills supported a series of 6 micro-museums featured in the World Expo in Dubai. Considering herself a “connector of silos” Brittany currently inspires action with the change-makers of today’s global economy, working with clients such as Microsoft and Jacobs Engineering. Brittany is a biologist, storyteller, and educator for Biomimicry 3.8, holds a M.Sc. in Biomimicry from ASU, and is a Certified Biomimicry Professional.
Karen Allen | Karen Allen is a Certified Biomimicry Professional, biologist, and facilitator who is passionate about sharing the secrets of the natural world to inform sustainable innovations. She is a seasoned biomimicry educator, researcher, and consultant who has been practicing biomimicry on a variety of projects since 2000. An interdisciplinary science background and love of natural history help Karen translate nature’s strategies for architects, engineers, and designers. She teaches the Biology Taught Functionally and BioBrainstorm Practicum courses as Faculty for the ASU Online Master of Science in Biomimicry Program, co-created the Biomimicry Specialist Program, teaches Biomimicry Immersion Workshops, and protects and restores ecosystems, bringing a systems perspective to the practice of biomimicry.
Chris Montero | Chris Montero is a traveling naturalist. His enthusiasm for nature began with a large focus on reptiles, but eventually expanded to other organisms such as insects, birds, mammals, and plants. He began his studies in biology and general ecology in his native Costa Rica. In 2005, Chris moved to Washington state, where he finished his studies at The Evergreen State College. Professionally, he has an “amphibian” career with one foot in art and the other in natural sciences, which has allowed him to work as both a scientific illustrator and an environmental interpreter. He had the privilege of working as a nature guide for the Organization for Tropical Studies in Costa Rica, a field instructor for the Sierra Institute in Belize and Guatemala and, since 2005, as a naturalist for the Biomimicry 3.8 programs in Costa Rica. He worked as a Wildlife & Conservation trip leader for National Geographic Student Expeditions in Australia, Ecuador, Brazil, Belize, the Canadian Arctic and Botswana. He continues leading student expeditions for Putney Student Travel and in 2022 he will lead a three-week expedition centered on large carnivores in Namibia. He also was the Outreach Coordinator for Wolf Haven International, giving presentations, writing articles, and creating educational material about wolves and carnivores in general. He currently works as an Education Coordinator for Mass Audubon in Massachusetts’ North Shore, teaching wildlife programs at local schools and leading adult bird watching groups.
The all-inclusive price for the workshop includes overnight accommodations for six nights; all activities during the week; delicious, locally harvested breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks; tuition and course materials; transportation from the San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) International Airport; and administration costs. A variety of accommodations are available at La Cusinga Lodge to meet your needs and budget, from bunk rooms to private en suite rooms. See photos of the rooms on La Cusinga’s website.
Participants are responsible for the cost of travel to and from the San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) Airport and any needed lodging and transportation before and after the workshop.
All of La Cusinga’s rooms are built from sustainable reforested wood and designed for your comfort. Each room has a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean, the Ballena Marine National Park and the rainforest. Walk to the private beach, take a dip in the waterfall fed swimming hole or the swimming pool during your down time.
All rooming types are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Reserve your spot for only $500.
Shared bunk room | $4,250
These large rooms have bunk beds, a private bathroom, and a terrace. There will be a maximum of 4 people in each room.
Shared room en suite | $4,400
These shared rooms have two queen beds and a private en suite bathroom with a balcony or patio. You can request a roommate or we will assign you a roommate of the same sex.
Private room en suite | $4,650
These deluxe rooms include your own en suite bathroom and either a balcony or patio.
Discounts – Limited Availability!
All discounts have limited availability, are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, and may not be combined.
The workshop is full and registration is now closed. Check out upcoming workshops here.
In addition to a life-changing experience, immersion workshop participants also earn credit toward a Biomimicry Specialist Certificate.
Learn more about immersion workshops here.
Convince your boss by downloading and sharing our PDF that outlines the professional benefits and values biomimicry immersion workshops can add to any organization. Download Convince Your Boss pdf here.
Covid-19 Cancellation Policy | We are planning now with optimism for gathering with the utmost health safety measures. If the workshop is canceled due to COVID-19, you will receive a full refund and will be given the opportunity to sign up for a later workshop.
Questions? Email us at workshops@biomimicry.net
The three-toed sloth is a slow-moving mammal that lives in the trees of Costa Rica’s rainforests. The sloth recycles nutrients for its ecosystem by descending a tree, digging a hole, defecating and burying its waste at the base of the tree. Another way it helps the other organisms in its ecosystem? Grooved hair hosts symbiotic blue-green algae that fixes nitrogen.
Boxfish live among intertidal zones on Costa Rica’s coasts. These vibrant fish with a unique shape have served as inspiration for an agile, lightweight, and energy-efficient, luxury car thanks to its boxy shape, which reduces drag. Edges of the “box” inspired by the boxfish act as a keel, creating stability while minimizing energy output.
Mangroves help create immensely diverse ecosystems in Costa Rica. The red mangroves are excellent engineers, providing structural support using extensive prop roots. The trees adapt to water inundation with multiple strategies to oxygenate roots, including spongy tissue (aerenchyma) and tiny holes in prop roots (lenticels). Photo: Flickr.com | James St. John https://www.flickr.com/photos/jsjgeology/
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