Mariappan Jawaharlal, professor of mechanical engineering, has been selected as a fellow of the Biomimicry Institute. He is the first mechanical engineer to become a Biomimicry Fellow.

Biomimicry is the science and art of emulating nature's best biological ideas to solve human problems. The Biomimicry Institute founded by science writer Janine Beynus, well known for her pioneering book, "Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature," promotes the study and imitation of nature's remarkably efficient designs, bringing together scientists, engineers, architects and innovators who can use those models to create sustainable technologies.

Jawa and his students have worked on various biomimicry projects including the study of tubercles of whale fin for use in blades, pine cones for efficient structural design and ribcage for flexible pressure vessels. The team's current biomimicry project deals with the study of limpets in Costa Rica for understanding and adopting attachment mechanisms.