BIOMIMICRY EXPERT AND SCIENTIST IN INDUSTRY

I am one of the world's first biomimicry practitioners hired by a multinational corporation to develop biomimetic consumer products.
As a Senior Scientist in Biomimicry at Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Consumer Health, I solve challenges in consumer healthcare by searching for solutions in nature.  Through the practice of biomimicry, we can support people's health and well-being while also improving planetary health. 

My journey as a biomimicry professional at J&J started in August 2017 and continues today.  I am learning first-hand, from the inside of a large company, how to practice biomimicry in industry and overcome the challenges that come with trying to bring new approaches and tools into R&D. 

My accomplishments thus far:
  • Launched and built the first biomimicry program in J&J;
  • Led 7 formal biomimicry projects for baby care, oral care, skin health, and self-care;
  • With my team, created an internal database of biological models and biomimetic technologies;
  • With my team, developed 12 biomimetic concepts to prototype after finding hundreds of relevant biological models; and 
  • Developed sustainable biomimetic concepts for product packaging

Currently, I am:
  • Prototyping 3 prioritized concepts of biomimetic consumer products that I developed
  • Creating a roadmap for nature-inspired planetary health (sustainability, regeneration) for J&J Consumer Health​
  • Designing ways to visually demonstrate our science and the benefits of our products
I have a PhD in environmental engineering and MS in biomimicry,
and I'm a Certified Biomimicry Professional by Biomimicry 3.8.
TEACHING AND LEADERSHIP

Teacher and Supervisor

Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health Biomimicry Program

I train and supervise biomimicry interns at J&J, plus teach J&J researchers and designers about the value and process of biomimicry for product design.


Guest Lecturer

Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
and
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

I introduce students to biomimicry and awaken them to nature's genius for innovative and sustainable problem-solving.  I also share my experience and the lessons I've learned working as a biomimicry professional in industry.


Mentor

Frasier Global Mentorship Program, Arizona State University School of Sustainability

As a mentor for university students studying sustainability, I share my insights and resources for applying biomimicry and sustainability in industry and host the students on-site or online for design sprints tackling real challenges within J&J.​
BIOMIMICRY PRESENTATIONS
AND PUBLICATIONS
2021
Adventures and Lessons of a Biomimic in Industry
Guest lecture at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Industrial Design Department, Biomimicry in Engineering and Design course
Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (webinar)
​4 February 2021
2020
Biomimicry for cosmetics
Chapter for a French cosmetics textbook for universities and cosmetic companies:
Kiser MA. 2020. Biomimétisme. In: Guissart E, Barragan-Montero V, editors. Matières premières cosmétiques: Actifs naturels​. Vol. 1. France: Cosmetic Valley Editions.
The future: Inspired by nature
Guest lecture at Sorbonne Université, Masters 2 Professional Biology Department
Paris, France
7 October 2020
2019
Biomimicry as a tool for sustainable innovation
Oral presentation at Cosmetic360 Activist Beauty Conference
Paris, France
16 October 2019
Introduction to biomimicry
Guest lecture at Sorbonne Université, Masters 2 Professional Biology Department
Paris, France
4 October 2019
2018
Solving healthcare challenges by learning from nature
Oral presentation at the J&J Excellence in Science Symposium;
New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
11 November 2018
2017
Expanding the solution space of research challenges with biomimicry
Oral presentation at the J&J Spotlight on Science and Innovation Symposium
* J&J Encore Platinum Award for Best Oral Presentation
​Skillman, New Jersey, USA
4 October 2017
Healthcare of the future: Using biomimicry to shift paradigms and advance innovation
Oral presentation at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Bioinspired Solutions for Health seminar
​Lausanne, Switzerland
28 September 2017
2016
Using biomimicry to discover, develop, and evaluate nature-based solutions
Oral presentation at the 10th International Society for Environmental Biotechnology Conference
​Barcelona, Spain
3 June 2016
2015
Learning from nature: Biomimicry in nanotechnology education
Oral presentation at the SUN-SNO-GUIDENANO Sustainable Nanotechnology Conference
Venice, Italy
10 March 2015
Picture
In my element: Abruzzi Lake, Canadian Rockies, 2017. Photo by Seth Galewyrick.
Check out my full CV for more details, including my work in environmental engineering:
Contact Ayla:
Ayla on LinkedIn: