Jane Li, engineering, University of Southern California

When visiting a local aquarium, there is no lack of spectacles that may capture one’s attention – glimmering schools of sardines swimming as a unit, colorful sea dragons hiding among aquatic plants, and most delectably, the distinct aroma of the fish and chips served in the food court. One sight, however, stands out from all other marine organisms: the shark. Humanity has long perceived sharks as an animal of power: grand yet sleek, inspiring awe among zoologists and the casual beachgoer alike. With new stories reporting shark attacks every year, even a student in elementary school knows that the shark is an animal that deserves respect. One characteristic that adds to the shark’s magnificent reputation is its speed; although sharks are relatively large mammals, they are able to swim up to 43 miles per hour in short bursts [11]. This speed comes from 3 billion years of evolution and natural selection, allowing them to capture prey efficiently and achieve an image of dominance in the underwater ecosystem [3][4]. Though the human race places high value on speed for different reasons – convenience, efficiency, and productivity – scientists are looking to this underwater powerhouse for inspiration behind new designs and technology.

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