Alex Finnemore

A portfolio of my involvement in science, technology, design and communication

Science

I have a background in physics and I completed my PhD at the University of Cambridge in 2011. My research focuses on taking inspiration from the small scale architecture of biological systems to create new functional materials.

Materials like sea shells, bones and teeth (known as bio-minerals) rely on intricate structuring on a range of length scales, and an interplay between organic (soft) and mineral (hard) parts to achieve superior strength and colour compared to their unstructured components. Understanding and replicating these materials paves the way for the next generation of smart materials.

My work on mimicking Mother-of-Pearl was published in Nature Communications and on mimicking sea urchin spines in Advanced Materials. These have been featured in New Scientist, Scientific American and several mainstream news sites.

I have worked in close collaboration with groups in Cambridge, Harvard, MIT, University of Texas at Austin and Berkeley.

Biomimicry is the “technology of nature”, its the intersection of science, function and art. Its about learning from natural processes and ecosystems to create sustainable solutions.

Left: Single celled coccolithophores produce intricate protective platelets made of calcium carbonate. The right hand image shows the same basic material grown synthetically. Nature is able to control structure on a range of length scales to achieve functionality from otherwise mundane materials.

Science

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Fashion Photography

I have been interested in photography since childhood when I learnt to develop and process in our darkroom at home. More recently, I have been the photographer for Curious Orange, an online store selling unique designer clothing. This project has taught me to set up, shoot and edit to the spec of the project. Combining discipline and creativity has pushed me to hone my existing skills and learn new techniques.

I am experienced and schooled in studio and on-location shooting, working with models and stylists and post production editing for online and print.

Photography

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Conferences and Communication

I believe that there is a great need for better communication within the scientific community and to policy makers, technologists and the public. To this end I have been involved in communicating science and technology as an event organiser and speaker on many occasions.

I have organised Winterschools in Austria, German, Switzerland and Finland. Each of these has brought together over 50 scientists and industrial partners from different disciplines for week long meetings. The aim is to stimulate discussion, generate new ideas and build collaborations.

I am a fellow of the NanoForum, a strategic network of researchers in nano-science. I organised the Nano in Smart Structures conference which focused on technology for smart, sustainable buildings.

I was involved in a Royal Society Exhibition display as a designer and presenter of biomimicry research to over 7,000 members of the public.

I have organised two internal Graduate Student conferences, and a Post-Doc Navigation meeting in Cambridge.

I have presented my research at international meetings at least twice a year.

Communication

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Start Ups

I am currently a Product Manager at MOO.COM, working on mobile, digital products. I’m privileged to be working with Dave Wascha, who is a great mentor.

I have previously been involved in several tech starts-ups in various spaces; online retail, web app development, mobile banking and green energy. I have played the role of Product Manager, Developer and Co-Founder.

FireID builds full stack mobile payment and banking systems. These products produce massive amounts of user centric data and I was involved in visualising, analysing and extracting useful information from this. Get their app here!

Curious Orange is an online boutique specialising in designer clothing imported from South Africa. As a co-founder I have been involved in logistics, store design and photography.

MyMoneyDog.com is a bill splitting app for houseshares, holidays and restaurants. I was involved in app design and business development.

Solar Forrest was a solar energy co-operative bringing investors and roof owners together to leverage solar subsidies and create clean power. I was involved in marketing and design.

Technology

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