How to Apply Biology Through Biomimicry

biology ecology marine biology microbiology Mar 14, 2025

Are you a biologist, hoping to use and apply biology and your knowledge outside of the laboratory? Perhaps a career change? Or perhaps you've recently graduated and are just embarking on a new career.

Biomimicry would not exist without biology, and the importance of biologists cannot be overstated. Yet, while many other disciplines are easily referenced when biomimicry is discussed, biology is not often explicitly mentioned.

This article aims to highlight the importance of biology as a study field within biomimicry, and the advantages of translating biological research into real-world applications.

We’re scratching the brain of biologist and biomimic Deb Bidwell - an award-winning biologist and Learn Biomimicry Educator Programme mentor, among many things - to learn more about how the two fields overlap, how to overcome theory-to-practice challenges and which resources and real-world examples are available for biologists who want to practice biomimicry.

Biomimicry is the result when we turn to biology for inspiration. When we think of technology, we often think of robots and computers.. but nature has been creating technology for years. Birds nests are a great example of technology created by nature - hence the human technology. If you'd like to learn more, you can download this free eBook: A Biologist's Guide to Biomimicry here

What is your biology background and how did your career evolve to where you are now?

I’ve been a biologist and educator for more than 30 years and a nature nerd for my entire life. I have always had a deep curiosity, love and empathy for all living things, and drifted towards the animist side, imagining that perhaps mountains, streams, rivers, and landscapes have memories or personalities. I then found a practical solution through marine science and outdoor education. Here's my journey so far:

I first studied a Bachelors in Biology with a focus in marine and freshwater ecology. I especially loved marine intertidal ecology and nudibranchs.
My first job as a biologist was as a Naturalist in a State Park in coastal New Hampshire, USA. I taught natural history to curious folks of all ages and shared my love of tidepooling with hundreds of park guests.
I then worked as a Fisheries Observer, a biologist sent out to sea with commercial fishermen collecting biological data, where I spent over a year at sea and travelled extensively. There, I began to ask more scientific questions and craved being in charge of the research.

Fishery observers spend long periods of time at sea, often in challenging conditions, all in the name of science! You can learn how to make a difference too. Explore our Biomimicry Short Course Set to begin applying your knowledge today.

Later on, I went to graduate school and completed my Masters in Zoology - marine finfish aquaculture of flatfish and cod - working in the lab and the field on replenishing wild stocks and working with commercial fishermen towards sustainable fisheries.
I then directed a marine biology laboratory and field station in Priory, Jamaica. focused on immersive teaching of tropical marine ecology.
After my time there, I moved to the Basque region of Spain. I became fluent in Spanish, futbol, and tapas. Started a family. Taught middle school science as a long term substitute teacher and assisted Spanish fisheries biologists with ESL manuscript writing. I adored living in Spain, but needed more steady employment, so I moved back across the pond.
I started working as a Biology Instructor for majors and non-majors introductory biology at College of Charleston in Charleston, SC USA, with a focus on introductory biology teaching - here, I did not spend much time in a research lab!
I then completed my Masters in Biomimicry at Arizona State University. I couldn’t get enough of biomimicry, and loved being a Teaching Assistant. I also created an interdisciplinary biomimicry curriculum at the College of Charleston and began teaching biomimicry.
I decided to continue my biomimicry journey by doing a Biomimicry Professional (BPro) certification through Biomimicry 3.8, where I grew my confidence, skill, and biomimicry network.
I then started Chickadee Biomimicry, my biomimicry consulting company conducting biomimicry educational training, bio-brainstorm research, and storytelling.
I went on to co-found Sharing Nature’s Genius, cultivating a co-created curated collaborative database of detailed Nature’s Design Lessons for professionals.
Then, I joined Learn Biomimicry as a Mentor for the Biomimicry Educator Programme.

(Dear reader, the author had to trim Deb's life and education journey down, or you would be scrolling for ages. One thing is clear: she loves education, and biomimicry!)

How or when did you learn about biomimicry for the very first time?

I first read about biomimicry in a magazine article - I think National Geographic? - some time around 2007. It was about a bionic car inspired by the boxfish shape. I was instantly hooked. It was both profound and simple. For years I’d been learning and teaching about nature, and I instantly understood that the answers our species needs would stem from learning from nature and teaching others how to do so.

The boxfish-inspired car was designed by Mercedes as a concept car in 2005. Biologists bring immensely useful knowledge to the design table in unexpected places - like the automotive industry. See more inspiring biomimicry examples here.

I read everything I could get my hands on. When I discovered an online course through ASU I enrolled, and kicked off my biomimicry learning journey, leading me to Learn Biomimicry.

What are some challenges biologists face when translating their research into practical application?

One issue is time. Most biologists can’t spare any time for indulging in applied science.

There might also be an expertise gap. Translating fundamental research into applied innovations requires collaboration across disciplines (e.g., engineering, materials science), specialised resources, and expertise in fields beyond biology.

Another issue is mindset. Biologists tend to be siloed and don’t often interact with creatives outside of STEM such as faculty in art, architecture, business, design, engineering, urban studies, or social innovation. Generally, biologists don’t often see themselves as innovators, entrepreneurs, or designers.

Lastly, perhaps there’s also a human cleverness and a bit of ego involved in doing modern western science like biological research. It takes humility to learn from nature.

Can you give some insights into overcoming these challenges?

Nature reconnection is a terrific place to start. We need to expose kids to nature and ensure accessibility to nature in urban areas. Biology education that introduces biomimicry is also key, the earlier in grade school and the more inter-disciplinarily the better.

Another good way to get practical is by enrolling in a practice-based programme, such as Learn Biomimicry's Practitioner Programme, which really enables learners to get a project off the ground outside of books and labs.

Leveraging the collaborative nature of modern biological research is also a good next step. The silos are crumbling between marine biology and geology, for example, in oceanographic research. Or between chemistry and biology in molecular research.

Cross pollination of research within STEM is becoming normalised. How might we expand that inter-disciplinary collaboration beyond basic research to include innovators, designers, and entrepreneurs?

While the siloed university system often makes these collaborative teaching and learning endeavours challenging to pursue - whether through conflicting prerequisites or turf wars over which department should house the courses - their impact can be game changing!

What are some possibilities for careers that combine biology and biomimicry?

We need to dream more of these jobs into being! Biologists that can translate (in essence abstract) nature and deep biological research to design, are keystone species in biomimicry. In fact, biology is one of the fields with the most career opportunities that combine both.

Sustainability and regenerative consults within any spheres are in great positions to combine their biology and biomimicry knowledge.

Read more: How to Become a Sustainability Consultant here

Biologists that can clearly communicate nature’s genius in ways attuned to diverse audiences through jargon-free stories that highlight patterns and lessons metaphorically are gifted biomimicry teammates.

Think ecological engineering teams, biomimetic product design in innovative companies, sustainable nutrition, bio-medical research and more.

Some good examples of where biologists are practicing biomimicry in the workplace are:

Novobiom, who have developed long-term vaccine storage inspired by anhydrous organisms
Adaptive Surface technologies, who have created repellant surface technology inspired by the pitcher plant
Sandia National Laboratories and University of New Mexico, who are using decentralized disease outbreak monitoring inspired by the human immune system
De Novo Food Labs, who are creating sustainable nutritional solutions inspired by the proteins in cow's milk

Bio-tech companies, bio-inspired urban design firms and architecture firms are all great places to kickstart careers for biologists applying biomimicry too.

What are some of your favourite examples of existing real-world applications?

Leading the way in flooring solutions: Interface

Game changers - fresh produce storage: Green Pod Labs

Big player: Microsoft Data Centers

Social innovation: The Nature of Trust a RWJF funded project with Biomimicry for Social Innovation and Biomimicry 3.8, in progress.

Huge potential: Biomimicry on the Ray - bringing biomimicry approach to transforming transportation

In Closing

Biologists and biomimics have way more in common than you may have thought! If you're new to the world of biomimicry, download this free eBook: A Biologist's Guide to Biomimicry to learn more.

You can also explore our online short courses, which will give you a good introduction and foundational understanding of biomimicry and how biology comes into play.

You can connect with Deb on LinkedIn here, or on our Disco dance floor here!

Deb is also part of the team behind the book: “Beloved Economies: Transforming the Way We Work”!