Episode 15

Marjan Eggermont

Designer

Oct 22, 2020 | Science

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Marjan Eggermont, an expert in bio-inspired design. We speak about biodesign and biomimicry, and we also discuss Marjan’s artistic side!

READ TRANSCRIPT

Interview with Marjan Eggermont (Designer)

 In this episode, I speak with Dr. Marjan Eggermont, an expert in bio-inspired design. We talk about design and sustainability, new innovations in design, why companies should hire scientists, and Marjan’s own work as an artist.

(Full transcript available here.)

 

  • Intro (0:00:42)
  • Marjan has a degree in military history (0:01:25)
  • How Marjan also ended up with a BFA and an MFA (0:03:08)
  • Marjan followed her curiosity and then got a PhD (0:04:25)
  • Interdisciplinary approach to the arts (0:07:54)
  • Why is bio-inspired design part of engineering? (0:08:37)
  • Is biomimicry the same thing as bio-design? (0:10:22)
  • Have plastics become more sustainable because of biodesign? (0:12:31)
  • Studying animals in biomimicry (0:13:34)
  • Snakes in biodesign (0:16:48)
  • Life in urban centres (0:18:06)
  • Teaching biodesign (0:19:13)
  • Interest in microorganisms and Tardigrades (0:20:33)
  • Bio-inspired design inspired by the micro-world (0:24:15)
  • Reverse-engineering in order to create (0:27:13)
  • Companies are hiring biologists for design (0:29:20)
  • How can scientists get jobs in this field? (0:30:50)
  • Have animals mimicked humans? (0:32:22)
  • Zygote Quarterly: a biodesign journal (0:34:32)
  • How does Zygote find people to feature in their journal? (0:36:56)
  • Marjan’s art (0:39:05)
  • Moving to Canada (0:40:57)
  • Perceptions of being an artist who’s also a professor (0:42:00)
  • Pausing as an artist (0:44:25)
  • What inspires new work? (0:45:50)
  • Teaching as a passion (0:46:55)
  • Teaching online during the pandemic (0:47:18)
  • Using art in bio-inspired design classes (0:48:39)
  • Twenty years of teaching (0:50:06)
  • Living in Calgary (0:50:43)
  • Impressions of living in Canada (0:51:30)
  • First thing Marjan will do when the pandemic is over (0:55:50)

 

Zygote Quarterly: https://zqjournal.org/

U of Calgary bio: https://schulich.ucalgary.ca/contacts/marjan-eggermont

Marjan’s artwork: https://www.herringerkissgallery.com/marjan-eggermont

Little Ray’s Reptiles: https://littlerays.org/

 

Visit Planet B612 on the web: https://planetb612.fm/

Follow Planet B612 on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PlanetB612fm

Support Planet B612 on Patreon: https://patreon.com/juliesworld

Related Episodes

Ep. 55: Predator Management with Petros Chrysafis

Ep. 55: Predator Management with Petros Chrysafis

Episode 55 Predator Management Petros ChrysafisHuman-wildlife conflict management expert Petros Chrysafis joins me to talk all about predator behaviour, and predator deterrence! About This Episode In this episode, we talk all about predators of North America! What’s...

Ep. 54: University education with Dr. Elaine Beaulieu

Ep. 54: University education with Dr. Elaine Beaulieu

Episode 54 University Education Dr. Elaine BeaulieuIn this episode, we talk all about academia, university education, and what needs to be improved in education for our professors, and students. About This Episode In this episode, we talk about the realities, and...