Alyssa Stark, a biologist at Villanova University, discusses the fields of bio-inspired design and biomimicry. While often used interchangeably, Stark distinguishes between the two, with bio-inspired design focusing on emulating natural solutions without considering sustainability, and biomimicry prioritizing sustainable solutions that mimic nature. Stark’s research focuses on understanding the unique properties of organisms, such as geckos, ants, and sea urchins, to develop reusable adhesives and other products. She emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together biologists, engineers, physicists, and designers to develop sustainable solutions.
Stark highlights successful examples of biomimetic designs, including a building inspired by termite mounds and wind turbines modeled after whale fins. She believes that biomimicry has the potential to revolutionize industries and create a more sustainable future. Stark’s work is focused on understanding the functional morphology of organisms and applying that knowledge to develop innovative products. She sees the future of biomimicry as involving the integration of natural systems and processes into human-designed systems, such as cities and ecosystems, to create a more sustainable world.