Bioinspired armor – it may sound like something out of a science fiction novel, but what exactly is it? Thanks to the brand new Wikipedia article created by Liv Vizzini and her classmates at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute this spring, our curiosity can be satisfied.
“Throughout our Biological Materials course, we explored the remarkable ways nature has evolved to provide living organisms with structure and protection,” said Vizzini. “We were surprised to discover that there wasn’t already a dedicated Wikipedia article on this topic!”
As the new Wikipedia article explains, bioinspired armor are human-created materials inspired by the microstructures found in nature’s defense mechanisms.
From mollusk and turtle shells to horns, hooves, and scales, naturally-occurring protections against high-speed collision, blunt impact, and puncture provide no shortage of inspiration for the creation of high-performance materials like helmets, military and sports equipment, and even medicinal applications.
“The materials and structures we discuss in the article have been perfected over millions of years through evolution,” explained Vizzini. “Even with all our modern techniques and technology, engineers and scientists still struggle to replicate them. It’s incredible that such complex and effective designs can emerge from such humble origins.”
For Vizzini, who graduated in May with a biomedical engineering major and a philosophy minor, the Wikipedia assignment was a unique opportunity to deepen her research and writing skills while exploring a topic she found particularly fascinating.
“Writing this article taught me a lot about various organisms – from sharks to spiders to goats – but more importantly, I learned how to present complex information to a broad audience in an accessible way,” reflected Vizzini.
To organize their work, Vizzini and her three groupmates first outlined the sections they intended to include based on the common themes they found in their research, then assigned each student to a section that matched their interests, ensuring tasks were evenly distributed.
“I wish I could do this assignment for every class!” emphasized Vizzini, who expressed gratitude to her professor, Dr. Edmund Palermo, for incorporating the Wikipedia assignment. “It’s truly a win-win: we gained a deep understanding of the subject, had the chance to share it with a broader community, and contributed to the already vast Wikipedia library.”
Reflecting on the assignment and the impact of her work, Vizzini underscored the role of Wikipedia in shaping public knowledge.
“Wikipedia is incredibly powerful because it’s often the first place people go to learn about a new topic,” noted Vizzini. “Its accessibility and broad reach make it a key resource for spreading knowledge and increasing awareness on a global scale.”
Vizzini hopes readers of the new article come away with her same sense of appreciation for nature and the way it can inspire innovation.
“In writing this scientific article, I was able to dive deeper into the intricate relationship between biology and technology,” said Vizzini. “It reinforced my passion for finding innovative solutions to the real-world health challenges that drew me to the field of Biomedical Engineering in the first place. Sharing this knowledge felt rewarding since it could have a similar impact on others!”
Vizzini, now working as an engineer in test method development at Becton Dickinson, plans to continue editing Wikipedia. She particularly enjoys editing text and formatting articles, noting the ease of the citation and insert functions.
Our support for STEM classes like Liv’s is available thanks to the Guru Krupa Foundation.
Interested in incorporating a Wikipedia assignment into your course? Visit teach.wikiedu.org to learn more about the free resources, digital tools, and staff support that Wiki Education offers to postsecondary instructors in the United States and Canada. Apply by September 8 for the fall 2024 term!
