Ariana Rupp
Title: Former Biomimicry Fellow
Dept/Program: Biology
Email: ak230@zips.uakron.edu
Biography
I am a Fulbright grantee from Portugal. I completed my undergrad and graduate studies at the University of Lisbon, with a bachelor’s degree in physics engineering and a master’s degree in product design. I was part of Lisbon’s FabLab team for two years, volunteering technical support and occasionally working as a freelancer designer. I also engaged in a 7 months social program for middle schools, by tutoring student groups and giving science lectures.
As a biomimicry fellow recently enrolled in Integrated Bioscience, I am especially interested in biological design / biomechanics, and in understanding how biomaterials are integrated into structured dynamic systems. My corporate sponsor, Nottingham Spirk, has many different projects - packaging, CNC machining, medical devices, among others - which could benefit from strategies inspired by biomechanics. Under the guidance of Dr. Peter Niewiarowski, I intend to study physical properties such as mechanical interaction between bodies and external forces, geometric constraints, passive and active movement or response to environmental inputs.
My main goal is to make the best of my multidisciplinary training and to prepare for a versatile career. Biomimicry has been asserting its usefulness in groundbreaking design consultancies by providing solutions for many industrial branches. This will encourage me, as a professional, to develop new user-oriented concepts and engage in science-based projects of design bloom and technological innovation.
Education
BS Engineering Physics, MA Industrial Design; Univeristy of Lisbon