Melissa Sikosana

Melissa Sikosana, PhD, is an experienced researcher and consultant specializing in biomimicry and environmental engineering. Currently serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden, Melissa explores antimicrobial coatings for water purification and collaborates with industrial partners to develop nature-inspired technologies. As a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellow and Biomimicry Practitioner Course Mentor at Learn Biomimicry, Melissa guides students in applying biomimicry principles through design thinking. Melissa has held various consulting roles, including Consulting Director and Management Consultant at 180 Degrees Consulting, where Melissa was recognized with the 180 Degrees Consulting Global Bronze award in 2016. With an educational background that includes a PhD in Biotechnology from Technische Universität Dresden and a Master's in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cape Town, Melissa brings a strong foundation in engineering and sustainability to their work.