Mucus and Microbiomes: That's Gross -- No it'SNOT!
Friday July 28th, from noon to 1:30pm Pacific Time
Join Anne LaForti and Britt Jerlinga as we host this FREE Nature Nerd (affectionately self-identified) chat about mucus. What exactly is it? What does it do for humans? Where can it be found elsewhere in nature? What functional processes does it support for microbial communities?
This interdisciplinary talk illuminates the under-appreciated but vital roles of mucus and extracellular matrices (ECMs) in the intricate symphony of life. Our journey spans from the human body to fertile soils, coral reefs, and much more. Drawing parallels between these diverse ecosystems, we explore how these biological substances contribute to ecosystem functioning and how we might harness mucosal functionality for our own innovations.
Andrea McBeth will discuss the functionality of mucus in humans, and Erin Miller will extend the topic to nature and how we can use this knowledge for external applications.
Note: Although this talk won't necessarily be "adult" content, it will be geared towards adult attendees (a.k.a. Grown-ass Nature Nerds).
Speakers:
Andrea McBeth, ND, BSc (she/her) is a Co-Founder of Thaena, Flora Medicine, and SKNcology. She has a BS in Biochemistry with an emphasis in molecular biology from the University of San Diego and a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM). After becoming an ND she focused her clinical work on functional gastroenterology and started a fecal transplant stool bank to treat C.diff. With a technical science background Andrea’s passion for the microbiome has led to innovations in stool-derived postbiotic applications.
Erin Miller, BSc (she/her) specializes in research and development of microbial therapeutics. With a degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from UC Santa Barbara, her research has spanned from viral gene therapy vector design to creation of microbiome-targeted solutions for human and planetary health. In her current work with Seed Health, she works with a range of international investigators to advance research on microbial applications for human health, honey bee resilience, coral bleaching prevention, and plastic biodegradation. She looks forward to bringing her wide-ranging wonder for nature’s amazing organisms into the burgeoning field of biomimicry.
Co-Hosts:
Anne LaForti, MSc (she/her) is a soil nerd, myco enthusiast, and all-around biophile (nature lover). She has a master's degree in Biomimicry and is a project manager supporting nature-based innovation in the built environment and beyond at Biomimicry 3.8. She is deeply interested in ITEK (Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge), gardening, permaculture, urban and regenerative agriculture, and growing nutrient-dense foods. Anne was the 2022 Spring Nature, Art, and Habitat Residency (NAHR) Fellow in Santa Ynez, working on "Soil as Pattern Language: Emulating Healthy Soil Communities" and is currently a NAHR Ambassador.
Brittany Jerlinga, MSc, MAT, BPro (she/her) regularly gets excited about mucus, misunderstood creatures, and things that go bump in the night. Holding both a Master of Science in Biomimicry (Arizona State University) and a Master of Arts in teaching (University of Southern California), she has spent the last 16 years using storytelling and the arts to teach science. Considering herself a “connector of silos” Brittany currently inspires action with the change-makers of today’s global economy, working with clients such as Microsoft and Jacobs Engineering. Brittany is a biologist, storyteller, and educator for Biomimicry 3.8, and is a Certified Biomimicry Professional.
Mark your calendar and register using the link below.