Our biomimicry journey has been trending upwards since 1998, as we evolved to survive–and thrive–while helping to connect, train, and inspire using 3.8 billion years of evolutionary R&D.
Janine Benyus
Co-founder×Janine Benyus
Co-founderAs co-founder of Biomimicry 3.8, Janine guides the vision of the organization, as well as works to lead research and ideation. She 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.
Dr. Dayna Baumeister
Co-founder×Dr. Dayna Baumeister
Co-founderAs partner and co-founder, Dayna does anything and everything at Biomimicry 3.8, including covering the broad niches of ideation, strategy, and education. She inspires clients as a biologist at the design table, as well as created and runs the professional training programs.
Austin Watling
IT and System Infrastructure×Austin Watling
IT and System InfrastructureBased 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 Biomimicry 3.8, 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 AND WHY
Kingfisher. Kingfishers are a perfect example of beauty and precisionHIDDEN TALENT
Rock ClimberFAVORITE QUOTES
“Natural science does not simply describe and explain nature; it is part of the interplay between nature and ourselves.” – Werner Karl Heisenberg-
Dr. Dayna Baumeister
Co-founder×Dr. Dayna Baumeister
Co-founderBased in Missoula, MT | Co-founded Biomimicry 3.8 in 1997
JOB SCOPE
As partner and co-founder, Dayna does anything and everything at Biomimicry 3.8, including covering the broad niches of ideation, strategy, and education. She inspires clients as a biologist at the design table, as well as created and runs 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 AND WHY
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 KimmererRIVER, 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. 
Jamie Dwyer
Principal×Jamie Dwyer
PrincipalBased in Helena, MT | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2009
JOB SCOPE
Jamie is a biologist at the design table—she researches biological strategies and brings those strategies to design. She also teaches others about biomimicry and facilitates biomimicry workshops.HISTORY
Before joining Biomimicry 3.8, Jamie was on an architectural career path. Before architecture, she worked as a field biologist. Biomimicry has not only provided a cure for her perpetual student syndrome, but has also brought her seemingly divergent degrees in architecture and biology into perfect harmony.FAVORITE ORGANISM AND WHY
Right now, hummingbirds. They store enough energy for thousand-mile migrations in their one-ounce bodies, their maneuverability in flight, and have you seen the research on their tongues?!?FAVORITE BOOK
“A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’EngleCOMFORT FOOD
Dark Chocolate. And baked goods—especially molasses spice cookies, cookie dough brownies, and homemade bread.-
Janine Benyus
Co-founder×Janine Benyus
Co-founderBased in Missoula, MT | Co-founded Biomimicry 3.8 in 1997
JOB SCOPE
As co-founder of Biomimicry 3.8, 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. 
Jessica Smith
Visual Communications×Jessica Smith
Visual CommunicationsBased in Helena, MT | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2008
JOB SCOPE
Jessica works on visual communications/strategy and branding.HISTORY
Before working with Biomimicry 3.8, 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 AND WHY
Sloth. When Jessica saw one in the wild, she was more excited by it than any other animal she’d seen, and it was sleeping nonetheless! If this species were to go extinct, Jessica would be heartbroken.FANTASY TRAVEL DESTINATION
In her fantasy, she would shrink to the size of a flea and travel through her 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
Mark Dorfman
Principal×Mark Dorfman
PrincipalBased 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 AND WHY
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 CollinsHIDDEN TALENT
Swing dancing
Melissa Fryday
Accounting Services and Finance Support×Melissa Fryday
Accounting Services and Finance SupportBased in Missoula, MT | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2012
JOB SCOPE
Melissa assists with finance 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 AND WHY
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
Melissa has always wanted to see New York City at Christmas time.
Nicole Hagerman Miller
Managing Director×Nicole Hagerman Miller
Managing DirectorBased 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 Biomimicry 3.8, 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 AND WHY
Mycelium—it continues to blow my mind 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
Robyn Klein
Biomimicry Research×Robyn Klein
Biomimicry ResearchBased in Bozeman, MT | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2007
JOB SCOPE
Robyn is Biomimicry 3.8′s fact-finding sleuth who works on project for our Innovation Services clients. Robyn finds the genius in nature, assisting built environment and product industry clients.HISTORY
Robyn is also an adjunct instructor in the Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology and teaches summer courses in plant identification, biomimicry, and ethnobotany at Montana State University in Bozeman.FAVORITE ORGANISM AND WHY
Black cottonwood trees. The connection between wolves and cottonwoods has been made in Yellowstone Park. Wolves move the elk around so they don’t browse all the young cottonwoods. This allows the young cottonwoods to grow, which has brought back a healthy riparian ecosystem with songbirds and beaver in the Lamar Valley.FAVORITE QUOTE
“The answers to how to live sustainably on our planet are all around us.” – Janine BenyusFAVORITE BOOKS
“Consulting the Genius of Place” by Wes Jackson.HIDDEN TALENT
30+ years as an herbalist and medical botanist.
Seth GaleWyrick
Engineering & Design×Seth GaleWyrick
Engineering & DesignBased 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 Biomimicry 3.8, 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 Masters degree from ASU and participation in the 4th Biomimicry Professional Cohort.FAVORITE ORGANISM AND WHY
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
PhotographyRIVER, LAKE, OR OCEAN?
Lake (specifically, Flathead Lake, Montana)
Theresa Scott
Executive Assistant and Project Cultivator×Theresa Scott
Executive Assistant and Project CultivatorBased in Helena, MT | Joined Biomimicry 3.8 in 2015
JOB SCOPE
Theresa coordinates the activities of Dayna Baumeister, Partner and Co-Founder of Biomimicry 3.8, and provides project management coordination and support for the Biomimicry 3.8 project team.HISTORY
Before joining Biomimicry 3.8, 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
Her home on the eastern edge of the Helena valley. Not only is it a beautiful spot on the mountain, in the trees, and with a gorgeous view of the valley, it provides a wealth of opportunity 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
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In short, asking the questions about how little things can work together on big problems is the core of biomimicry—and a fundamental feature of innovation.
— GreenBiz