Biomimicry Institute Youth Design Challenge
CK Unsworth "Collin" | Biomimicry Integrationist
colleen.unsworth@biomimicry.org
(She/Her) Collin believes that reconnection to nature can serve as a vehicle for human empathy and a catalyst for conservation. She is passionate about equity and waste reduction so that we may be kinder humans and honor the planet we share. Collin holds a PhD in Integrated Bioscience with a specialty in biomechanics, entrepreneurship, and bio-inspired inclusive design. With over a decade of research experience in biology and seven years focused on biomimicry, she serves as the organization’s technical biomimicry expert. She has worked as a biomimicry leader at NASA GRC, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and NSF’s Innovation Corps through her bio-inspired assistive tech startup, Natraverse LLC. Outside of work, she enjoys writing, climbing, trail running, cycling, and routesetting to foster inclusion in climbing.
Brian Oliva | Youth Education Program Assistant
(He/Him) Brian helps to manage Youth Education programs, with an emphasis on the Youth Design Challenge. Before joining the Institute, Brian served as the Alameda County Area Manager for a company that ran LEGO® STEM afterschool enrichment programs, where he oversaw a group of instructors and managed the logistics for all programs throughout Alameda County Elementary Schools. He loved being able to teach and inspire the next generation of leaders. He is constantly looking to build things, whether it be LEGO®, woodworking or model kits, and has a passion for improving his skills set. Over the past few months, he has seen his succulent collection grow to over 30 plants and loves watching them thrive. Brian graduated with a degree in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley.
Rubin | Director of Youth Education
(They/Them) Rubin is the Director of Youth Education at the Biomimicry Institute. They bring a passion for STEM-focused educational programs, having managed youth programs in science museums and STEM nonprofits for over a decade. In their work, they prioritize centering youth voices and supporting young adults from historically marginalized communities. They focus on experiential and project-based learning, bringing a social justice lens to creating as many opportunities as possible for youth to learn about STEM. As a longtime educator with a Master’s degree in International Education, Rubin has worked in various informal education environments, including nonprofits, museums, wilderness settings, and international placements. They are a proud cat parent, percussionist, art event goer, food lover, and indoor plant enthusiast.
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