Learning from Lichen                  Sue Okerstrom

Sue found inspiration in an everyday organism, the lichen.  Covering 8% of the terrestrial surface of the earth, even on tombstones in Virginia, MN,  lichens are miners and can absorb and concentrate minerals from the air. This ability to uptake and accumulate heavy metals from nature may be a way to reclaim valuable metals from waste electronics. We will explore the fascinating lives of lichen and the lessons we may learn from them.

Sue Okerstrom is a certified biomimicry professional and founder of Lichen Labs LLC, a microscope lab, biomimicry research and consulting business. Sue follows her curiosity in the North Woods, and is a lifelong Minnesotan and UU.