Taryn Mead

Taryn Mead is an accomplished academic and professional in the field of sustainable design and innovation. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor and Product Track Coordinator for the Outdoor Industry MBA at Western State Colorado University (WCU), where she has been involved in course design and teaching since 2017. Her focus areas include sustainable product design, biomimicry, and innovation strategies tailored for the outdoor industry.12

Academic Background

Taryn earned her PhD in Management Studies from the University of Exeter in the UK, where her research centered on the adoption of nature-inspired innovations within multinational corporations. She also holds a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Biology and Environmental Studies, graduating Cum Laude from Western Colorado University in 2006.13

Professional Experience

Before her current role, Taryn has held various positions that highlight her expertise in sustainability and innovation:

• Assistant Professor at the University of Arkansas, where she developed a Master's program in Product Design, Innovation, and Management.2
• Founder and Biomimicry Strategist at Symbiosis, a consulting firm focused on nature-inspired innovation.3
• Marie Curie Early Career Researcher at the University of Exeter, where she studied biomimicry applications in business management.2

Research Interests

Her research interests are diverse but primarily revolve around:

• Sustainability-oriented innovation
• Biomimicry and nature-inspired design
• Circular economy practices
• Sustainable product development specifically within the outdoor industry context.13

Taryn's work not only emphasizes academic rigor but also practical applications, aiming to bridge the gap between sustainability theory and real-world implementation.