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ALYSSA Y. STARK
University of Louisville, Department of Biology, 139 Life Science Building, Louisville KY 40292
Website: alyssaystark.com
Email: alyssa.stark@louisville.edu Phone: (502) 852-5941
RESEARCH INTERESTS
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Natural and Synthetic Adhesives
Wettability of Natural and Synthetic Surfaces
Biological Materials Testing
Functional Morphology, Ecomorphology and Behavior
Biomimicry and Bio-inspired Design
I am interested in the functional morphology of organisms, specifically how particular morphological features, such as
geometric structure and chemistry, relate to an organism's overall performance (like adhesion or wettability), behavior
(how they use these features) and ecology (where they use these features). My primary focus is to investigate how
particular ecological or environmental components can influence the morphology and subsequently behavior of an
organism, allowing for improved performance in often complex and challenging conditions. I am also interested in taking
this knowledge and applying the design principles of these systems for biomimetic and bio-inspired application. I see my
current and future role in science as a highly integrated researcher that functions as a bridge between multiple fields of
study; translating and facilitating collaboration between biology and materials science, physics, chemistry and the like.
EDUCATION
2014
Ph.D. Integrated Bioscience, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio
Dissertation: The Effect of Water on the Gecko Adhesive System
Advisors:
Dr. Peter H. Niewiarowski (Biology)
Dr. Ali Dhinojwala (Polymer Science)
Committee:
Dr. Todd Blackledge (Biology)
Dr. Mathew Shawkey (Biology)
Dr. Jutta Luettmer-Strathmann (Physics)
2006
B.S. Animal Biology, University of California, Davis, California
Specialization: Animal Behavior
Senior Thesis: Behavioral Study of California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) Suffering from the
Effects of Domoic Acid Toxicity
Mentor/Advisor:
Dr. Brenda McCowan, School of Veterinary Medicine and California National Primate
Research Center
2005
ARAD. Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance, The Royal Academy of Dance, London, UK
Advanced II Professional Examination in Ballet
2004
A.A. General Associates Degree, Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa, California
Page 1 of 8
ALYSSA Y. STARK
University of Louisville, Department of Biology, 139 Life Science Building, Louisville KY 40292
Website: alyssaystark.com
Email: alyssa.stark@louisville.edu Phone: (502) 852-5941
RELEVANT COURSES
University of Akron
Research Techniques in Integrated Bioscience
Communicating in Integrated Bioscience
Problem Solving in Integrated Bioscience
Integrated Bioscience Colloquium
Tropical Vertebrate Biology
Comparative Biomechanics (audit)
Ecological Developmental Biology
Biostatistics
Polymer Science
Biological Physics
Biomaterials
Mass Spectrometry (audit)
Ethics of Science
Effective Teaching
Conservation Biology
Comparative Vertebrate Morphology
Ecology
Evolution
Organic Chemistry
Biochemistry
Physics
Genetics
Physiology
General Chemistry
Calculus I, II and III
University of California, Davis
Animal Behavior
Domestic Animal Behavior
Animal Communication
Behavioral Ecology
Santa Rosa Junior College
Marine Biology
PUBLICATIONS
* denotes undergraduate author
9. Jain, D., Stark, A. Y., Niewiarowski, P. H., Miyoshi, T. & Dhinojwala, A. 2015. NMR Spectroscopy
reveals the presence and association of lipids and keratin in adhesive gecko setae. Scientific Reports.
3(9594).
8. Astrop, T. I., Sahni, V., Blackledge, T. A. & Stark, A. Y. 2015. Mechanical properties of the chitincalcium-phosphate clam shrimp carapace (Order Spinicaudata): implications for taphonomy and
fossilization. Journal of Crustacean Biology. 35(2):123-131.
7. Badge, I., Stark, A. Y., Paoloni, E. L.*, Niewiarowski, P. H. & Dhinojwala, A. 2014. The role of
surface chemistry on adhesion and wetting of gecko toe pads. Scientific Reports. 4(6643).
6. Stark, A. Y., Wucinich, N. A.*, Paoloni, E. L.*, Niewiarowski, P. H. & Dhinojwala, A. 2014. Selfdrying: A gecko's innate ability to remove water from wet toe pads. PLoS ONE. 9(7).
5. Stark, A. Y., McClung, B.*, Niewiarowski, P. H. & Dhinojwala, A. 2014. Reduction of water
surface tension significantly impacts gecko adhesion underwater. Integrative and Comparative
Biology. 54(6):1026-1033. (Cover)
4. Stark, A. Y., Badge, I., Wucinich, N. A.*, Sullivan, T. W.*, Niewiarowski, P. H. & Dhinojwala, A.
2013. Surface wettability plays a significant role in gecko adhesion underwater. Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences USA. 110(16):6340-6345. (Cover)
3. Stark, A. Y., Sullivan, T.* & Niewiarowski, P. H. 2012. The effect of surface water and wetting on
gecko adhesion. Journal of Experimental Biology. 215(17):3080-3086. (Cover)
2. Niewiarowski, P. H., Stark, A., McClung, B.*, Chambers, B.* & Sullivan, T.* 2012. Faster but not
stickier: invasive house geckos can out-sprint resident mournful geckos in Moorea, French
Polynesia. Journal of Herpetology. 46(2):194-197.
Page 2 of 8
ALYSSA Y. STARK
University of Louisville, Department of Biology, 139 Life Science Building, Louisville KY 40292
Website: alyssaystark.com
Email: alyssa.stark@louisville.edu Phone: (502) 852-5941
1. Hsu, P. Y., Ge, L., Li, X., Stark, A. Y., Wesdemiotis, C., Niewiarowski, P. H. & Dhinojwala, A. 2011.
Direct evidence of phospholipids in gecko footprints and spatula-substrate contact interface detected
using surface-sensitive spectroscopy. Journal of the Royal Society Interface. 9(69):657-664. (Cover)
Submitted Manuscripts
1. Stark, A. Y., Ohlemacher, J.*, Knight, A.* & Niewiarowski, P. H. Run don’t walk: locomotor
performance of geckos on wet surfaces.
2. Stark, A. Y., Dryden, D. M., Olderman, J.*, Peterson, K. A.*, Niewiarowski, P. H., French, R. H. &
Dhinojwala, A. Adhesive Interactions of Geckos with Wet and Dry Fluoropolymer Substrates.
PRESENTATIONS
*denotes invited presentation
Oral presentations
1. 2015 Adhesive and Sealant Convention Spring Conference and Expo (April 2015)*
The Effect of Temperature and Humidity on Gecko-inspired Synthetic Adhesives
Alyssa Y. Stark, Peter H. Niewiarowski, Ali Dhinojwala and Metin Sitti
2. The Adhesion Society Annual Meeting (February 2015)
The Effect of Temperature and Humidity on Gecko-inspired Synthetic Adhesives
Alyssa Y. Stark, Peter H. Niewiarowski, Ali Dhinojwala and Metin Sitti
3. Society for Integrated and Comparative Biology Annual Meeting (January 2015)
The Effect of Substrate Structure and Roughness on the Gecko Adhesive System
Alyssa Y. Stark, Amanda Palecek, Peter H. Niewiarowski and Ali Dhinojwala
4. Department of Biology Seminar Speaker (September 2014)*
University of Louisville
The Effect of Water on the Gecko Adhesive System
5. The Adhesion Society Annual Meeting (February 2014) - Peebles Award & Alan Gent Award Winner
The Effect of Surface Wettability and Wetting on the Gecko Adhesive System
Alyssa Y. Stark, Ila Badge, Peter H. Niewiarowski and Ali Dhinojwala
6. Society for Integrated and Comparative Biology Annual Meeting (January 2014)
Surface Chemistry and Self-drying in the Gecko Adhesive System
Alyssa Y. Stark, Ila Badge, Nicholas Wucinich, Eva Paoloni, Peter H. Niewiarowski and Ali Dhinojwala
7. Watters Science Seminar Speaker (November 2013)*
Lakewood High School
The Effect of Water on the Gecko Adhesive System
8. Agilent Technologies Nanomechanical Properties Workshop (March 2013)*
The University of Akron
Nanomechanical Study of Gecko Setae and Clam Shrimp Shells
Page 3 of 8
ALYSSA Y. STARK
University of Louisville, Department of Biology, 139 Life Science Building, Louisville KY 40292
Website: alyssaystark.com
Email: alyssa.stark@louisville.edu Phone: (502) 852-5941
9. Society for Integrated and Comparative Biology Annual Meeting (January 2013)
The Effect of Water on the Gecko Adhesive System
Alyssa Y. Stark, Peter H. Niewiarowski, Ali Dhinojwala and Ila Badge
10. Honors College Colloquium Speaker (October 2012 and September 2013)*
The University of Akron
Geckos and Biomimicry
11. Company Presentation to Talan Products, Inc. (May 2012)*
Biomimicry & Attachment
with Drew Keeble (Industrial Design, Cleveland Institute of Art)
12. Brown Bag Seminar Series (November 2011)
The University of Akron
Poking holes in shrimp: An integrated investigation into preservation bias in the fossil record of
Spinicaudata
with Tim Astrop (Integrated Bioscience) and Vasav Sahni (Polymer Science)
13. STEM High School Student Presentation (November 2011)*
The University of Akron
The Gecko Adhesive System: Implications and Applications
14. Biannual Meeting of the Akron Functional Materials Center (October 2011)*
The University of Akron and the Austen Bioinnovation Institute in Akron
The Gecko Adhesive System: Analysis of Lipid Footprints
15. Brown Bag Seminar Series (October 2009)
The University of Akron
Harmful Algal Blooms: Can California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) be used as an indicator
species?
16. 2009 State of the University Address by President Dr. Luis M. Proenza (October 2009)*
The University of Akron
with Liehui Ge (Polymer Science), Sunny Sethi (Polymer Science), Ali Dhinojwala (Polymer Science)
and Jacqueline Vanni (Undergraduate in Biology)
Demonstrations
1. World President's Organization (May 2012)*
The University of Akron
Gecko footprints
with Ila Badge (Polymer Science), Sunny Sethi (ADAP Nanotech, LLC) and Ali Dhinojwala (Polymer
Science)
2. Polymer Family Night for grades 6-8 (October 2009)*
Our Lady of the Elms School
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ALYSSA Y. STARK
University of Louisville, Department of Biology, 139 Life Science Building, Louisville KY 40292
Website: alyssaystark.com
Email: alyssa.stark@louisville.edu Phone: (502) 852-5941
Selected Poster Presentations
1. Society for Integrated and Comparative Biology Annual Meeting (January 2012)
The Effect of Surface Water and Wetting on Gecko Adhesion
Alyssa Y. Stark, Timothy W. Sullivan and Peter H. Niewiarowski
2. Choose Ohio First Tiered Mentoring Poster Competition (October 2011) - Second Place Winner
The Effects of Surface Water and Wetting on Gecko Adhesion
Students: Tim Sullivan and Nancy Cross
3. Conference for Undergraduate and Graduate Student Research (April 2011)
The University of Akron
Molecular Modeling of β-keratin in an Aqueous Environment
4. Choose Ohio First Tiered Mentoring Poster Competition (October 2010)
Slip Slidin' Away: A study of the effects of water on gecko adhesion
Students: Tim Sullivan and Bo Yang
5. First Semi-Annual Symposium on Biomaterials (October 2010)
The University of Akron, College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering and The Austen
BioInnovation Institute in Akron
Mechanical Properties of the Gecko Setal Shaft
Alyssa Y. Stark, Todd A. Blackledge, Ali Dhinojwala and Peter H. Niewiarowski
6. Choose Ohio First Tiered Mentoring Poster Competition (October 2009) - First Place Winner
Faster but not Stickier: A comparison of an invasive gecko and the native species it is displacing
Students: Brandon McClung and Tim Sullivan
AWARDS AND FUNDING
Alan Gent Distinguished Student Paper Award (tied), The Adhesion Society, 2014
Peebles Award for Graduate Student Research in Adhesion Science, The Adhesion Society, 2014
Graduate Student Government Professional Enrichment Grant, UA, 2013
Research Assistant: Biomimicry Fellows Coordinator, UA/BRIC, 2013-2014
Graduate Student Government Professional Enrichment Grant, UA, 2012
Future of Design: Biomimicry Workshop Scholarship Recipient, Talan Products, Inc., 2012
Graduate Student Government Professional Enrichment Grant, UA, 2011
Choose Ohio First Bioinformatics Scholarship, UA, 2010 - 2011
Choose Ohio First Tiered Mentoring Program Participant, UA, Summers 2009, 2010 and 2011
Graduate Student Government Research Grant, UA, 2009
RFP: Integrative Research in Bioscience Graduate Assistantship Winner, UA, Spring 2009
Lewis Clark Starr Scholarship for Animal Husbandry, UCD, 2005/2006 Academic Year
Continuing Student Scholarship, SRJC, 2003/2004 Academic Year
Doyle Scholarship Recipient, SRJC, 2001-2004
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ALYSSA Y. STARK
University of Louisville, Department of Biology, 139 Life Science Building, Louisville KY 40292
Website: alyssaystark.com
Email: alyssa.stark@louisville.edu Phone: (502) 852-5941
SELECTED MEDIA ATTENTION
National Geographic (with video)
Discovery Channel (CA) (with video)
The Plain Dealer (with video)
The University of Akron (with video)
Smithsonian
BBC
Science Illustrated
Huffington Post
National Science Foundation
Science Daily and Science NOW
AAAS Science Update
ACADEMIC TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Guest Lecturer, University of Louisville
Biomimcry: Fall 2014
Teaching Assistant, University of Akron
Principles of Biology Lab: Fall 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, Spring 2010, 2012 and Summer 2011
Animal Behavior Lab: Spring 2013
Course Tutor, University of California, Davis
Domestic Animal Behavior: Fall 2005
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Professional Membership
Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
The Adhesion Society
The Royal Academy of Dance, London, England (Full Member and Associate)
Reviewed manuscripts for the following journals
Tissue and Cell (2)
Sensors & Actuators: B. Chemical
Proceedings of the Royal Society: B. Biological Sciences
Journal of Experimental Biology
Bioinspiration & Biomimetics
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA
Journal of Morphology
Professional Development and Involvement
Symposium on Biomimicry: How does nature inspire technology?
Program Organizer (May 2015)
The Biomimicry Institute (http://biomimicry.net/)
Backyard Biomimicry Workshop (2012)
Biomimicry Education Summit (2011)
Great Lakes Biomimicry (http://glbiomimicry.org/)
Project Manager, Subject Matter Experts Program (current)
The Adhesion Society
Co-chair of a session on bioinspired adhesives (2015 annual meeting)
Co-chair of Woman's Networking and Social (2015 annual meeting)
Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
Session moderator (2015 annual meeting)
Page 6 of 8
ALYSSA Y. STARK
University of Louisville, Department of Biology, 139 Life Science Building, Louisville KY 40292
Website: alyssaystark.com
Email: alyssa.stark@louisville.edu Phone: (502) 852-5941
Community Service
Presentation Speaker for Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio Cadette Troop 90115 (January 2014)
Geckos and Biomimicry - in aid of earning "Animal Helpers Badge"
The University of Akron Biology Undergraduate Research Symposium (April 2011)
Undergraduate Authorship Award Judge
Western Reserve District 5 Science Fair Judge (March 2010)
MENTORING
Choose Ohio First Tiered Mentoring Undergraduate Students
Tim Sullivan (3 publications, 1 in prep)
Bo Yang
Nancy Cross
Undergraduate Lab Students (involved in research)
Jacqueline Vanni
Jocelyn Ohlemacher (1 publication in review)
George Voros (2 publications in prep)
Brandon McClung (2 publications)
Nick Wucinich (2 publications)
Eva Paoloni (2 publications)
Ashley Knight (1 publication in review)
Joel Thorson (1 publication in prep)
Briana Chambers (1 publication)
Jeffery Olderman (1 publication in review)
Shairani Subarajan (2 publications in prep)
Jacquelyne Reuder (1 publication in prep)
Amanda Palecek (2 publications in prep)
Austin Garner (1 publication in prep)
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant, University of California, Davis, 11/06-12/06
The Ecology of the American Badger Taxidea Taxus in California: Assessing Conservation Needs on
Multiple Scales
Supervisor: Jessie Quinn, PhD
Research Volunteer, The Marine Mammal Center, Summer 2004/2005 and Fall 2005
Diet estimation in California sea lions, Zalophus californianus
Supervisor: Joelle Sweeney, MS
Marine Mammal Behavior Study
Supervisor: Tracey Goldstein, PhD
Student Intern, California National Primate Research Center, 12/04- 8/05
Primate Behavior
Supervisor: Brenda McCowan, PhD
RELEVANT EMPLOYMENT
Postdoctoral Associate, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, 9/14 - current
Research related to canopy ants in the lab of Steve Yanoviak (http://canopyants.net/)
Biomimicry Fellows Coordinator, The University of Akron (UA), BRIC grant, 8/13- 8/14
Coordinate UA biomimicry PhD fellows and their corporate sponsors to improve communication and
help facilitate collaboration.
Page 7 of 8
ALYSSA Y. STARK
University of Louisville, Department of Biology, 139 Life Science Building, Louisville KY 40292
Website: alyssaystark.com
Email: alyssa.stark@louisville.edu Phone: (502) 852-5941
Scientific Aide, California Department of Fish & Game, Central Valley Bay-Delta Branch, 3/07- 11/07
Delta Smelt Project - 20mm Survey
Supervisors: Erin Gleason, MS and Julio Adib-Samii, BS
Sturgeon Study
Supervisor: Michael Donnellan, MS
Student Employee, California National Primate Research Center, Animal Care Department, 12/04- 12/06
Primate Behavior and Enrichment
Supervisor: Kristen Anderson, MS
Veterinary Assistant, Northtown Animal Hospital, 6/04- 8/04
Domestic Animal Veterinary Care
OTHER EXPERIENCE
The Marine Mammal Center, 8/01- 9/07
Assistant Supervisor
Animal Husbandry and Care
Stranding Department Volunteer
Animal Rescue and Release
Education Department Volunteer and Instructor
Public, Student (all ages) and Volunteer Educator
Safari West Wildlife Preserve, 9/01- 5/02
Volunteer
Animal Care
Tour Guide
Guest Education and Presentations
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