Discovering the Genius of Nature
Growing up between Afghanistan and Pakistan, I was constantly surrounded by natural beauty—rugged mountains, resilient plants, intricate ecosystems that somehow thrived in even the harshest climates. I didn’t know it at the time, but those early observations of nature’s quiet brilliance would eventually shape my career path in engineering. Years later, while studying chemical engineering at the University of Utah and working as a research assistant, I was introduced to biomimetics. It was a lightbulb moment: everything I had been learning in the lab was already perfected by nature over millions of years.
Biomimetics is the study and imitation of nature’s models, systems, and elements to solve human problems. It’s a field that bridges biology and engineering, and to me, it represents the kind of elegant innovation that makes science exciting and hopeful. From the way lotus leaves repel water to how geckos cling to vertical surfaces, biomimetics shows us that the answers we seek often already exist in the world around us—we just have to pay attention.
What Nature Teaches Us About Design
Nature doesn’t waste energy. It doesn’t overcomplicate. Every process in a natural system is there for a reason, fine-tuned through evolution to achieve maximum efficiency. That’s something modern engineering is constantly chasing. When I was involved in biomimetics research, I was fascinated by how much we could learn by simply observing.
One of my favorite examples is the design of Velcro. It was inspired by the way burrs stick to animal fur. Something as annoying as a plant burr sparked a multi-billion-dollar product that we now use in shoes, jackets, and even aerospace applications. That’s the beauty of biomimetics—it takes everyday phenomena and transforms them into extraordinary solutions.
Another powerful example is in the medical field, where engineers are studying shark skin to create surfaces that resist bacteria. Shark skin, with its unique micro-pattern, naturally prevents microorganisms from attaching. This idea has already led to materials used in hospitals that reduce the spread of infections, showing how life-saving innovation can come from the sea.
Where Engineering and Empathy Meet
As a chemical engineer who has worked in medical product development and project management, I’ve always felt a strong pull toward technologies that improve lives. What drew me to biomimetics wasn’t just the scientific side—it was the human impact. When we mimic nature, we often create designs that are not only more efficient but also more sustainable and compassionate.
Nature doesn’t pollute its own ecosystems. Its solutions are clean, adaptable, and self-healing. In a world struggling with environmental degradation and overconsumption, biomimetic designs can help us reduce our footprint. Think about biodegradable plastics inspired by natural polymers or energy-efficient buildings modeled after termite mounds, which maintain constant internal temperatures in the desert without using electricity. These ideas aren’t just smart—they’re ethical. They reflect a respect for the world we live in.
Making Science More Accessible
One of my hopes is that more young people—especially girls and those from underrepresented backgrounds—are introduced to biomimetics early on. I’ve taught Pashto language courses, and in doing so, I’ve seen firsthand how education opens doors and builds confidence. The same applies to science. When we present science as something creative and deeply connected to the natural world, we make it more accessible and less intimidating.
Biomimetics is a perfect example of how engineering can be playful, artistic, and deeply meaningful. It’s about asking, “How does nature solve this problem?” and then using that knowledge to build something new. Whether it’s designing water-harvesting systems based on desert beetles or creating lightweight structures inspired by bird bones, the possibilities are endless—and beautiful.
A Personal Reflection
As a mother, I often think about what kind of world I want to leave for my children. I bake with them, run with them, and teach them to pay attention to the details of the world around them. I want them to see that science isn’t confined to textbooks or laboratories—it’s in the wings of a butterfly, the curve of a leaf, the way honeycombs are structured for strength and efficiency.
Biomimetics reminds me that we are part of a larger design. We are not separate from nature—we are students of it. And if we listen carefully, we’ll find that nature is always teaching.
Looking Ahead
We are still just scratching the surface of what biomimetics can offer. As engineers, scientists, educators, and parents, we have a responsibility to keep exploring and innovating in ways that honor the intelligence of the natural world. This means funding more research, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, and raising awareness about the power of biomimicry.
To anyone curious about science, I say this: go outside. Observe. Be curious. Nature is the greatest engineer of all, and the answers we’re searching for might already be hiding in plain sight.