Dayna Baumeister
Biomimicry
Dayna Baumeister is co-founder of the Biomimicry Institute and a leading advocate for bringing biomimicry and systems thinking into the classroom. She is also Professor of Practice at Arizona State University.
Biomimicry is an approach to innovation that looks to nature’s time-tested patterns for inspiration. The idea is simple: nature has already solved many of the problems we face. Animals, plants, and microbes offer designs that can inspire more sustainable products, processes, and ways of living.
Baumeister is committed to introducing these ideas to young people. The Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge, launched in 2018, invites students in grades 6–12 to develop nature-inspired solutions to climate challenges.
Her fascination with the natural world began during childhood explorations in the mountains and forests of Colorado. She later earned a B.S. in marine biology from New College in Sarasota, Florida, and completed graduate studies in ecology at the University of Montana.
Below: Snowy owls fly with remarkable efficiency and near-silent wings—a perfect example of nature’s extraordinary design. Lotus leaves repel water and dirt, inspiring self-cleaning surfaces used in paints, coatings, and materials. The kingfisher’s beak inspired engineers to redesign the nose of Japan’s high-speed train, reducing noise and improving efficiency. Tiny hairs on a gecko’s feet allow it to cling to smooth surfaces, inspiring new adhesive technologies.
