Amanda Nummy

Based in Ann Arbor, MI | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2022

JOB SCOPE Amanda works in a variety of capacities including biomimicry research, communication of biological and biomimetic concepts, professional training in biomimicry, and project management.

HISTORY Amanda comes from almost a decade in the automotive industry, specializing in sustainability and alternative energy. Her work scope has covered both R&D and product development. She has had responsibility for self-directed new application development in materials and technology innovations, and led global collaborations in the areas of hydrogen fuel cells and battery electric vehicles. Amanda has published several papers within the automotive industry, and participated in numerous speaking engagements.

FAVORITE ORGANISM “Throughout my biomimicry research, I have been consistently impressed by the intelligence of bees. I admire their resourcefulness, collaboration, and adaptability.”

HIDDEN TALENT “Tap dancing!”

Angel Cotton

Based in Dolores, CO | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2022

JOB SCOPE Angel provides executive assistance support for the internal operations team.

HISTORY Angel graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a teaching degree. She brings 15 years of experience to the B3.8 team, starting from an administrative assistant and working her way up to a C-level executive assistant. She strives to be a part of something bigger than herself, that is beneficial to others and the future of this world. Angel enjoys creating an organized flow in the work environment that helps keep her colleagues productive and feeling respected, heard, and appreciated.

FAVORITE ORGANISM “Dolphins. They are smart, playful, devoted to family, and willing to ask for help or lend a hand… (I mean fin!) They are so cool!!”

RIVER, LAKE, OR OCEAN? “Ocean. I grew up right on the Atlantic Ocean. The smell, the sounds, the life. Brings me back home!”

FAVORITE TYPE OF WEATHER “Snow. To me watching snowfall is magical. It calms me and brings me peace. I am also in LOVE with snowflakes, because they are so beautiful and every one is unique… Just like humans!”

Anne LaForti

Based in Pasadena, CA | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2022

JOB SCOPE As a project manager, Anne leads and executes a variety of biomimicry innovation projects.

HISTORY Prior to joining B3.8, Anne worked in a wide variety of fields, including real estate development, office and project management, IT delivery and support, event production, and operations.

FAVORITE ORGANISM “Beneficial Fungi: I love the way mycelial hyphae (tiny root-like hairs of underground mushrooms) can reach out in all directions to provide protection, communication channels, and resource reciprocity between nodes in its network.”

FANTASY TRAVEL DESTINATION “I would love to someday go mushroom hunting in old growth forests of the Pacific Northwest with Paul Stamets.”

FAVORITE QUOTE “True Agility: Find out where you are. Take a step toward your goal. Adjust your map based on what you learned. Repeat. When faced with 2+ options of roughly the same value, pick the one that makes future change easier.” – Dave Thomas ‘Agile is Dead’

Austin Watling

Based in Missoula, MT | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2015

JOB SCOPE Austin administers computer systems, software, and hardware. He responds to technical support inquiries from both internal and external sources, and assists in updates and changes to website content.

HISTORY Before joining B3.8, Austin worked as an Apple Certified Support Professional in Missoula, where he also attended the University of Montana, majoring in physics and mathematics. He brings a deep understanding of most computer systems and processes, as well as an ability to identify and solve almost any problem.

FAVORITE ORGANISM “Kingfisher. Kingfishers are a perfect example of beauty and precision.”

HIDDEN TALENT “Rock climbing”

FAVORITE QUOTE “Natural science does not simply describe and explain nature; it is part of the interplay between nature and ourselves.” – Werner Karl Heisenberg

Brittany Jerlinga

Based in Denver, CO | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2020

JOB SCOPE Brittany is a writer, researcher, and “biologist at the design table” specializing in making biological insights relevant. She also coordinates, creates, and executes engaging professional training programs.

HISTORY In conjunction with her work at B3.8, Brittany teaches “How Nature Works” at Arizona State University (ASU), bringing nature’s genius to light and inspiring new generations of biomimics.

She earned her first master’s degree from the University of Southern California where she focused on the power of storytelling to teach tricky biological concepts. Brittany received her Master of Science in biomimicry from ASU and joined the fifth Biomimicry Professional (BPro) cohort.

FAVORITE ORGANISM “I have a thing for all organisms who makes copious amounts of mucus. It’s so multifunctional and misunderstood. White’s Tree Frogs, for example, protect from desiccation using dead skin and slime.”

HIDDEN TALENT “Illustration! Digital, pen and ink, colored pencil, marker, you name it.”

FAVORITE BOOK “Ishmael, House of Leaves, The Disappearing Spoon … I love a mix of history, horror, and science.”

Cheyenne Lewis

Based in Raleigh, NC | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2020

JOB SCOPE Cheyenne supports B3.8’s visual storytelling through the creation of graphics and illustrations.

HISTORY Before joining the B3.8 team, Cheyenne worked as a graphic designer for the University of Montana’s marketing department. She earned her BFA in graphic design at Montana State University and spent a semester abroad in Italy. Cheyenne is interested in helping to further develop the intersection of visual communication and sustainability.

FAVORITE ORGANISM “Spider monkeys! I saw them in the wild and was amazed by how graceful, agile, and clever they are.”

FAVORITE BOOK “Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner”

Chris Montero

Based in North Andover, MA | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2022

JOB SCOPE Chris is a biologist, illustrator, educator, and writer. He teaches in professional trainings, creates illustrations, and collaborates on scientific and biological literature research.

HISTORY Born and raised in the tropics, Chris has a dual career in natural sciences and art, which has allowed him to work as an educator, international trip leader, and illustrator. Chris studied biological sciences at the Universidad de Costa Rica, Universidad Estatal a Distancia (in Costa Rica), and the Evergreen State College. He has worked for organizations such as Mass Audubon, National Geographic Student Expeditions, Wolf Haven International, and the Organization for Tropical Studies.

Chris’ symbiosis with B3.8 began in 2005, when he started consulting as a local naturalist for our professional trainings in Costa Rica.

FAVORITE ORGANISM “I have a fascination with snakes, wolves, octopuses, beetles, whale sharks, warblers, horseshoe crabs… and a few dozen more. But if I must choose one, jaguars are my reliable pick.”

FAVORITE QUOTE “Before you embark on any path, ask the question: Does this path have a heart? If the answer is no, you will know it, and then you must choose another path.” -Carlos Castaneda

FANTASY TRAVEL DESTINATION “Time travel back 12,000 years, joining the first scientific expedition to study the Ice Age ecosystems in the Americas.”

Daphne Fecheyr-Lippens

Based in Portland, OR | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2022

JOB SCOPE As a biomimic, Daphne uses her skills to various outcomes: deep research, project-based consulting and planning, and sharing the magic of biomimicry.

HISTORY Daphne’s job history is one that looks like a typical design trajectory: seemingly very chaotic in the midst of the process, but with a clear goal. The common thread is sustainable innovation with a focus on nature-centered design and strategy. Daphne is a connector of people, ideas, disciplines, and places. From seeing unexpected opportunities, to effectively developing them and putting them on the map. As an innovation consultant at Board of Innovation, she conducted many workshops and training courses for corporate clients, all over the world and from almost every sector (i.e., food, finance, automotive, healthcare).

Daphne is one of three guinea pigs that pursued a new PhD program in biomimicry at the University of Akron. During her PhD training, she co-founded two startups: Hedgemon, an R&D startup developing a hedgehog-inspired impact technology, and Jaswig, which resulted from the personal need for a sustainable and convenient standing desk.

Biomimicry allowed Daphne to see the world from another perspective: one where humans are part of nature. She is truly fascinated when it comes to learning from and mimicking the strategies found in nature to solve human challenges and develop future-proof and planet-friendly innovation strategies.

FAVORITE ORGANISM “Dolphins. They are so elegant, (socially) intelligent, playful, and loyal. They are magnificent surfers, and their language—can you imitate it?!”

FAVORITE FOOD “Anything. I eat every hour or two to keep the engine running. If not, the sound is hangry.”

RIVER, LAKE, OR OCEAN? “Yes to any type of water—Especially the Oregon Coast, which is why we endured a 3.5 year process to get our visa figured out so we could move here.”

Dr. Dayna Baumeister

Based in the North Cascades and the Northern Rockies | Co-founded Biomimicry 3.8 in 1997

JOB SCOPE As partner and co-founder, Dayna does anything and everything at B3.8, including covering the broad niches of ideation, strategy, and education. She inspires clients as a biologist at the design table and leads the professional training programs.

HISTORY “Before Biomimicry 3.8, well…it’s hard to remember a time before Biomimicry 3.8. Janine and I had our first conversation in January 1998, just two months after her book was published. It’s been a wild ride ever since.”

FAVORITE ORGANISM “You can never ask a biologist their favorite organism—what would all the ones I didn’t mention think of me?”

FAVORITE BOOK “Currently reading (multiple times—it’s so rich): Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.”

RIVER, LAKE, OR OCEAN? “Ocean, hands down. Floating over a vibrant, thriving coral reef.”

FAVORITE QUOTE “I put Einstein’s quote about same thinking = same results, different thinking = change the world, on my email signature years ago and have never changed it for a reason.”

Read more in Dayna’s bio

Emily Fricke

Based in Missoula, MT | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2021

JOB SCOPE Emily collaborates with the Director of Operations on project management and team support with B3.8’s overall operations.

HISTORY Before joining B3.8, Emily worked for a national healthcare company, managing complex operations and supporting clinical teams providing quality patient care. Previously, Emily worked in the social work field with at-risk youth, along with adults and family survivors of violence and homelessness in rural Hawaii County and the Pacific Northwest.

FAVORITE ORGANISM “Redwoods – the mother tree of the forest and the tallest trees on Earth. Living in groves, redwoods intertwine their roots to create a family-like support system, developing strength and resiliency through their unity.”

RIVER, LAKE, OR OCEAN? “Ocean – I absolutely love the sensation of being completely submerged underwater in another living reality.”

FAVORITE BOOK The Signature of all Things by Elizabeth Gilbert

Farid Mohamed

Based in Houston, TX | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2021

JOB SCOPE Farid performs the role of project manager, leading and executing a variety of biomimicry innovation projects.

HISTORY Farid has over 15 years of technical consulting experience where he led the execution and deployment of geo-technical consulting services, focusing on the integration of multiple technical domains enabling transition technologies in subsurface developments of oil and gas, geothermal and carbon storage assets.

FAVORITE ORGANISM “Fungi – imagine where would we and our planet be without fungi? They are responsible for almost all our food production and most of our processed materials. They are also to be thanked for many of the important medical breakthroughs in human history that treat both physical and mental ailments, for naturally sequestering and slowly releasing carbon, for optimizing industrial processes, and so much more!”

FAVORITE QUOTE “Sometimes you have to create what you want to be part of.” – Geri Weitzman

Glenna Tawney

Based in Missoula, MT | Re-joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2021

JOB SCOPE Glenna coordinates and manages the professional training program as well as biomimicry experiences for our clients.

HISTORY Glenna is an experienced program management and event planning professional with over 10 years of experience in corporate, non-profit, and university settings. She is also a former elementary school educator.

RIVER, LAKE, OR OCEAN? “Lakes! I grew up in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho where I spent innumerable summer days swimming in Lake Coeur d’Alene. I traded lakes for rivers when I moved to Missoula to attend the University of Montana, but I’ll always prefer lakes.”

HIDDEN TALENT “I was a Division I soccer player in college. I still enjoy coaching and playing soccer with my kids.”

Janine Benyus

Based in the Bitterroot Valley, Montana | Co-founded Biomimicry 3.8 in 1997

JOB SCOPE As co-founder of B3.8, Janine guides the vision of the organization, as well as works to lead research and ideation.

HISTORY Janine is a natural history writer who has published five books, including “Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature,” which popularized the term biomimicry and set the stage for the practice to become an innovation tool used worldwide. Read more in Janine’s bio

Jessica Smith

Based in Rapid City, SD | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2008

JOB SCOPE Jessica works on visual communications/strategy and branding.

HISTORY Before working with B3.8, Jessica served as marketing assistant for the University Center at The University of Montana. She was also a naturalist at Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

FAVORITE ORGANISM “Sloth. When I saw one in the wild, I was more excited by it than any other animal I’d seen, and it was sleeping nonetheless! If this species were to go extinct, I would be heartbroken.”

FANTASY TRAVEL DESTINATION “In my fantasy, I would shrink to the size of a flea and travel through my backyard.”

FAVORITE QUOTE “Nothing in the world is as soft and yielding as water. Yet, for dissolving the hard and inflexible, nothing can surpass it. The soft overcomes the hard, the gentle overcomes the rigid. Everyone knows this is true but few can put it into practice.” – Tao Te Ching

Maria O'Farrell

Based in Raleigh, NC | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2020

JOB SCOPE Maria collaborates with B3.8’s project partners and clients in the dual role of project manager and researcher on a multitude of different biomimicry innovation projects. She utilizes her biological knowledge and research abilities to offer large organizations insights to solve a variety of design challenges, from the way we make truly innovative products to how we embed resilience into our organizations. Using the biomimicry design methodology, Maria helps develop products and processes which are sustainable, innovative, effective, energy efficient, and life-friendly. Additionally, she developed and manages a system for research hygiene at B3.8

HISTORY Maria holds degrees in zoology and botany and is one of only eight biologists to be recognized as a Certified Biomimicry Professional. She was also one of the first students to complete the Master of Science in biomimicry program at Arizona State University.

Maria has diplomas in green building and renewable energy technologies. She served as both program and project manager for the nationally awarded Renewable Energy Technologies Diploma Series for over five years in the College of Engineering at NCSU. She has also worked on two multimillion-dollar solar programs for the US Department of Energy.

As a former contractor for B3.8 (at the time, Biomimicry Guild, LLC), she worked on projects with Herman Miller, Kimberly Clark, Burts Bees, and SERA architecture, as well as contributed to the “AskNature” database, researching biological concepts and design principles. Maria continues to play a unique role as a biologist who takes complex biological data and translates it into language digestible by any department, from marketing to R&D.

FAVORITE ORGANISM “Mimic octopus because of their intelligence and their astounding ability to adapt so seamlessly to almost any environment.”

HIDDEN TALENT Landscape and Wildlife Photography https://maria.smugmug.com/

FAVORITE QUOTE “I can’t understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I’m frightened of the old ones.” – John Cage

Mark Dorfman

Based in New York, NY | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2007

JOB SCOPE Mark manages, designs, and conducts research, primarily for projects with a chemistry-related challenge.

HISTORY Mark spent the past several decades as a research scientist for public-interest, not-for-profit environmental organizations (primarily INFORM, Inc. and the Natural Resources Defense Council) with a focus on green chemistry and clean water issues.

FAVORITE ORGANISM “Cyanobacteria. They were the first creatures—some 3+ billion years ago—to develop photosynthetic technology. We still haven’t figured out how to completely reproduce it.”

FAVORITE BOOK Freedom at Midnight by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins

HIDDEN TALENT Swing dancing

Read more in Mark’s bio

Marlene Hendrickson

Based in Missoula, MT | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2022

JOB SCOPE Marlene brings her skills in accounting and administrative support to the internal operations team.

HISTORY Marlene’s background in accounting has provided her with many interesting job opportunities, from private yacht clubs and Hollywood entertainment, to radio stations, student government, concert production, and now B3.8!

FAVORITE ORGANISM “An octopus is my favorite organism because it can multi-task and accomplish so much each day!”

RIVER, LAKE, OR OCEAN? River, particularly The Rhine

FAVORITE PLACE  Damelj, Slovenia

Melissa Fryday

Based in Missoula, MT | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2012

JOB SCOPE Melissa operates B3.8’s finances and accounting.

HISTORY Melissa was a stay-at-home mom for eight years before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Montana in 2008. Before coming to Biomimicry 3.8, she worked in public accounting.

FAVORITE ORGANISM “The bumblebee. Aerodynamically it shouldn’t be able to fly, but nobody told the bumblebee, so it goes on flying anyway.”

FAVORITE SPOT “Seeley Lake, Montana, preferably the River Point Campground beach.”

FANTASY TRAVEL DESTINATION “I’ve has always wanted to see New York City at Christmas time.”

Nicole Miller

Based in Missoula, MT | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2012

JOB SCOPE Nicole is responsible for the strategic direction of the company. She also works closely with clients and partners to identify the best opportunities to effectively integrate and apply biomimicry.

HISTORY Prior to joining B3.8, Nicole served as the Managing Director for the Montana World Trade Center and as the Director of Sourcing for Overstock.com. Her professional experience in sustainability reporting, environmental and social compliance, global supply chains, private label development, social entrepreneurship, and economic development supports her efforts to introduce biomimicry as a platform to mitigate risk, build resilience, and advance innovation.

FAVORITE ORGANISM “Mycelium—it continues to blow my mind that there is an entire network of communication below the forest floor working to maintain the health of the ecosystem.”

COMFORT FOOD “Pizza—I make it at least once a week. In the summer, I harvest fresh basil, arugula, and veggies from my garden. Delicioso!”

RIVER, LAKE, OR OCEAN? Ocean

Read more in Nicole’s bio

Rachel Hahs

Based in Oak Park, IL | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2021

JOB SCOPE Rachel uses her wide diversity of skills to provide high quality research and content development support for B3.8 projects.

HISTORY Prior to B3.8, Rachel was a sustainability professional and environmental scientist at URS/AECOM for 13 years. She managed multi-disciplinary project teams and provided technical support to deliver sustainability and environmental program evaluation, development, implementation, and reporting services for both private and public sector clients. As a systems thinker, Rachel’s professional experience led her to look for a more impactful place to intervene in the system. In 2013, Rachel was introduced to biomimicry and was immediately hooked. Rachel is a Certified Biomimicry Professional and holds a Master of Science in biomimicry degree from Arizona State University. Rachel is also a co-leader of the Biomimicry Chicago network.

HIDDEN TALENT Furniture making.

FAVORITE QUOTE “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” – Albert Einstein

Seth GaleWyrick

Based in Hamilton, MT | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2018

JOB SCOPE Seth leads projects focused on engineering and product design. He also facilitates workshops and loves teaching others about biomimicry.

HISTORY Prior to B3.8, Seth spent 14 years in product development with Bresslergroup, a Philadelphia-based design firm. There, he managed design and engineering projects in a wide range of industries including medical devices, industrial equipment, and consumer electronics. A growing focus on sustainable design led him to his first biomimicry workshop in 2014, followed by a Master of Science in biomimicry degree from Arizona State University and participation in the fourth Biomimicry Professional (BPro) cohort.

FAVORITE ORGANISM “Cattails—anyone who doubts that nature is an engineering genius just needs to check out a cattail leaf. They are extremely strong, yet flexible, because their cross-reinforced box structure is prestressed with tensile cables, just like we do in bridges and buildings—only cattails have been doing it for millions of years.”

HIDDEN TALENT Photography

RIVER, LAKE, OR OCEAN? Lake (specifically, Flathead Lake, Montana)

Read more in Seth’s bio

Theresa Scott

Based in Helena, MT | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2015

JOB SCOPE Theresa is B3.8’s Director of Operations and provides project management and system coordination and support for project teams.

HISTORY Before joining B3.8, Theresa worked for the State of Montana for over 20 years. Her experience with the state includes budgeting, project management, and IT systems support. Theresa graduated from the University of Montana with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a management emphasis and a computer science minor.

FAVORITE SPOT “My home on the eastern edge of the Helena valley. Not only is it a beautiful spot on the mountains, in the trees, and with a gorgeous view of the valley, it provides a wealth of opportunities to immerse one’s self in any of a myriad of projects and puttering.”

FAVORITE FOOD “Nachos, not only are they comforting, they can be a “perfect” meal when they include all of the food groups.”

FAVORITE QUOTE “Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Tina Miller

Based in New York, NY | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2022

JOB SCOPE Tina supports B3.8’s storytelling efforts through the written word and media.

HISTORY Before joining B3.8, she studied Anthropology at Stanford University, consulted for marketing and communications for a wide range of organizations, and has worked with scientists and artists on collaborative experimental installations, reframing our connection to the living world and universe.

FAVORITE SPOT “Deep in the mangrove tunnels of the majestic Everglades.”

FAVORITE BOOKS Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu, Autobiography of Red by Anne Carson, and anything by Nnedi Okorafor.

Zeynep Arhon

Based in San Francisco, CA | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2022

JOB SCOPE Zeynep takes on project management tasks and supports B3.8’s marketing/communication efforts.

HISTORY In conjunction with her work at B3.8, Zeynep teaches biomimicry and business courses in the Master of Science in biomimicry program at Arizona State University.

Her corporate background includes strategic leadership and brand management positions at leading multinationals such as The Coca-Cola Company and Georgia Pacific.

As an entrepreneur and consultant, Zeynep introduced cutting-edge marketing and innovation tools (i.e., experiential marketing and future trends) in Turkey, her home country. A strong calling to align her work with her love for the planet led her to biomimicry. After graduating from the Biomimicry Professional Program in 2010, she integrated biomimicry into her consulting practice and worked towards spreading sustainability thinking among business leaders in a challenging, developing global economy. Her efforts included writing in business publications as a columnist and contributor, creating and hosting the first biomimicry radio show in Turkey, and creating a biomimicry-based online course for young entrepreneurs in Europe.

Zeynep has been living in San Francisco since 2012. She has a Master of Science in biomimicry degree, along with an MBA and a BA in Political Science & International Relations.

FAVORITE ORGANISM “California coastal Redwoods. They drink water from the fog, grow tall and live long, create ecosystems… So much inspiration for redesigning business processes and models with nature’s strategies!”

HIDDEN TALENTS “Graphite drawing and cooking some of the lost recipes from the Ottoman cuisine.”

FAVORITE QUOTE “What you seek, is seeking you.” – Rumi

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