The Aquinas College Sustainable Business Department is hosting Janine Benyus, author of "Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature" in order to introduce students, faculty and staff to new ways of looking at nature’s design as inspiration for sustainable outcomes and processes. The presentation with slides, from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28 in the Aquinas Performing Arts Center, 1703 Robinson Road S.E., is open to the public and free of charge. Benyus is one of the early pioneers in the Sustainable Business movement and has an eloquent message. To learn more about Biomimicry, visit http://www.biomimicry.net.

Benyus is a graduate of Rutgers University with degrees in forestry and writing. She lectures widely on science topics. She is the author of four books in the life sciences, including, "Beastly Behaviors: A Watcher's Guide to How Animals Act and Why." In "Biomimicry," Benyus introduces a group of scientists who are already discovering nature-based innovations that will change the way we grow food, make materials, harness energy, heal ourselves, store information, and conduct business. She lectures and the University of Montana and lives in Stevensville, Montana.

At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, there will be a panel discussion featuring Benyus titled, Women Entrepreneurs: Their Green Side. Other panel members are Anja Mastl, co-owner of Trillium Haven Farm, an organic community-supported farm in Michigan; Gayle DeBruyn, designer and owner of Lake Affect Studio; and Mary Ellen Mika, Steelcase Inc., Supply Change Manager. Deborah Steketee, Aquinas Assistant Professor of Sustainable Business, will be panel moderator. The panel discussion will be in the Aquinas Wege Student Center Ballroom and is free and the public is welcome. The panel discussion is sponsored by the Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center at Aquinas College.