Rebecca Barbara MacKinnon

Experience

• 

  University of Cape Town

  Jan 2016 - Mar 2016

  Research Assistant

  Editorial and research assistance in publishing three academic papers from my Honours year findings. This work was completed post graduation under the supervision of renowned professor Charles L. Griffiths

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  University of Cape Town

  Aug 2017 - Dec 2017

  Biological Sciences Tutor

  Practical assistance to first year biology students. A commitment of 5hrs/ weekly including marking of scripts, attendance of practical sessions and open to personal tutoring

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  Universiteit Utrecht

  Feb 2018 - Aug 2020

  MSc Student Bio-Inspired Innovation

  My Master's program focuses on the use of biological research to inform and innovate the design of systems, services, and products. Using nature as inspiration, and abstracting Life's Principles, we learn how to approach the grand challenge of transitioning to a circular society that nourishes rather than destroys its surroundings.

• 

  EIT - European Institute of Innovation and Technology

  Jul 2019 - Jul 2019

  Climate KIC Journey

  The EIT Climate KIC Journey is the world's largest climate innovation summer school. The Journey is a unique combination of academic study & real-world experience. EIT Climate KIC is the EU's main body for climate innovation, accelerating and mobilising students towards an inclusive and climate-resilient society.

• 

  Victoria University of Wellington

  Feb 2020 - Aug 2020

  Research and Design Intern

  This internship involved research within the fields of urban biomimicry and biophilia under the supervision of Dr Maibritt Pedersen Zari at the VUW Architecture School. My project involved the application of urgent biophilia research during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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  COBIOM

  Jul 2020 - Aug 2022

  • Community and Project Manager

    Jan 2021 - Aug 2022

  • Swarm Assistant

    Jul 2020 - Dec 2020
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  Learn Biomimicry

  Jul 2021 - Oct 2021

  Biomimicry Content Creator

  For Learn Biomimicry, I was able to design and create an array of biomimicry-based content for various channels. This included social media content, a written article for online publication and an email newsletter, as well as a curriculum on Biomimicry for Architecture, in partnership with GritNova Global Campus.

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  Gritnova Global Campus

  Sept 2021 - Dec 2021

  Course Instructor: Biomimetic Architecture

  As part of GritNova's Sustainable AI for Architecture programme, I facilitated a module in Biomimetic Architecture - leading an international cohort of architecture students and recent graduates into the realm of biomimicry with a focus on deeply applying the principles of Nature for sustainability in the built environment.

• 

  BiomimicrySA

  Nov 2021 - May 2022

  Biomimicry and Design Thinking Assistant

  Alongside a small team of ecological and design thinking experts, I worked as a biomimicry and design thinking specialist, to help unearth Socio Economic Opportunities in communities across South Africa using Biomimicry and Design Thinking Methodologies. This project, in partnership with the UNDP Accelerator Lab, was one phase of many that continue within various communities across South Africa.

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  Learn Biomimicry

  Aug 2022 - now

  Biomimicry Professional and Educator
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  Cascading

  Oct 2022 - now

  Regenerative Research and Design Consultant