I have a joint position with the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems. My research is at the intersection of local and regenerative food systems, Indigenous and traditional knowledge and biomimetic innovations. I see biomimicry as a powerful lens and tool to make transformative change in the world, from technological innovations, to a new vision for cities, to social innovations. Favorite Life Principles: “being locally attuned and responsive”. Even as an implant to Arizona from Egypt, I find it important to learn how to become attuned to what the local environment calls for. The Saguaro teaches us to leverage cyclic processes and be attuned to monsoonal rains to grow and flourish. It teaches us the importance of mutalisms to provide nourishment and protection, as the Saguaro is to many organisms like the Gila Woodpecker, or the long-nose bat, or the Harris Hawk. It also teaches us that an important mutualistic relationship has existed between the local Indigenous communities such as the Tohono O’odham and the Saguaro, in safeguarding it, but also in becoming an integral part of their culture.