From a burning river to biomimicry | Emily Kennedy | TEDxUniversityofAkron

Biomimicry is innovation through emulation of biological forms, processes, patterns, and systems; think Velcro, a non-toxic adhesive inspired by how burrs stick to animal fur. The University of Akron provides first-of-its-kind, graduate-level training in this emergent field through the Biomimicry Fellowship Program, now in its fourth year. In this talk, Emily Kennedy, a member of the inaugural cohort of Biomimicry Fellows, describes her unique educational experience, including how introducing biomimicry at her industrial sponsor has galvanized sustainable consumer product innovation.

Emily Kennedy is a Biomimicry Fellow in the Integrated Bioscience PhD Program at the University of Akron. Her graduate studies are sponsored by GOJO Industries, the inventor of PURELL® Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer. Emily works part-time in the GOJO R&D department, training innovators to explore biology as a source of creative inspiration and model for sustainability.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx