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.
I have a PhD in environmental engineering and MS in biomimicry,
and I'm a Certified Biomimicry Professional by Biomimicry 3.8.
and I'm a Certified Biomimicry Professional by Biomimicry 3.8.
As a Senior Scientist in Biomimicry at Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Consumer Health, I solve challenges in consumer healthcare by creating solutions that mimic nature's genius. Through the practice of biomimicry, we can innovatively support human 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:
Currently, I am:
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
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
AND PUBLICATIONS
2022
Biomimicry at work and in daily life: My experience as a biomimicry professional
Guest lecture at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Industrial Design Department, Biomimicry in Engineering and Design course
Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (webinar)
29 December 2022
A practical introduction to biomimicry
Guest lecture at Sorbonne Université, Masters 2 Professional Biology Department
Paris, France
5 October 2022
Guest lecture at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Industrial Design Department, Biomimicry in Engineering and Design course
Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (webinar)
29 December 2022
A practical introduction to biomimicry
Guest lecture at Sorbonne Université, Masters 2 Professional Biology Department
Paris, France
5 October 2022
2021
Bring nature to work
Guest lecture at Sorbonne Université, Masters 2 Professional Biology Department
Paris, France
7 October 2021
Guest lecture at Sorbonne Université, Masters 2 Professional Biology Department
Paris, France
7 October 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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Oral presentation at the SUN-SNO-GUIDENANO Sustainable Nanotechnology Conference
Venice, Italy
10 March 2015
Check out my CV for more details of my past and current work, education, and training:
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