For my internship, I worked with Lorenne Gavish as the outreach coordinator for Biomimicry Vermont, a regional network that is an extension of Biomimicry 3.8. Biomimicry may best be described as a movement towards looking to nature to solve human problems in the most efficient and effective manner possible. Renewable energy is energy found in natural, sustainable systems, and/or energy that can be harnessed through natural systems. Biomimicry advocates for both the use of sustainable resources and the inquiry of sustainable energy systems, inspired by nature. Lorenne defines biomimicry as, “finding inspiration that already exists in nature to create solutions for a sustainable future with a timely inherent need for an emphasis on power and renewable energy.”

Janine Benyus, who wrote the book Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature and coined the term “biomimicry,” founded Biomimicry. It is now internationally known and regional networks have developed all over the US and Europe and even in South Africa and Mexico. By starting Biomimicry Vermont, Lorenne and I hope to foster a community of biomimics in Vermont, where we imagine it will flourish due to Vermonters’ common interest in the environment and sustainability.

Over the course of this semester, I have researched professors, undergraduate students, graduate students, and businesses that might have an interest in biomimicry. My main work, thus far, has been compiling email lists and emailing people of interest to tell them about Biomimicry Vermont and invite them to participate in our meetings. I have also contributed to the launch and maintenance of Biomimicry Vermont’s new Facebook page, and I worked with Lorenne to prepare for our first Bio Beers, which we had in November at the Farmhouse Tap and Grill. We had a good turnout of about fifteen people who were enthusiastic about the new group and may be interested in forming our core group of members. I am excited to see where Biomimicry Vermont is headed in the next few months, as I plan on continuing to work with Lorenne to establish our core group of members and grow the network.

Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Biomimicry-Vermont/261823567217249?ref=ts&fref=ts

Biomimicry 3.8 Website:

http://biomimicry.net

What Is a Biomimicry Regional Network?

http://biomimicry.net/connecting/regional-networks/

Lorenne Gavish

1 (914) 643-5639 Lorennegavish@gmail.com

Kristen Vogel

(610) 405-0488 kmvogel@uvm.edu