Sue Okerstrom, founder and chief technologist at Lichen Labs, is an innovator and materials scientist. Okerstrom’s career at Medtronic Inc. involved solving problems for scientists and engineers in medical devices, culminating as a Senior Principal Materials Scientist and Technical Fellow recognized for her expertise inside and outside the company. She managed a materials analysis lab serving all business units and processes from R&D to manufacturing to field support. She was a Star of Excellence award winner, green belt certified, and one of the first 20 people in the world to receive an MS in Biomimicry from Arizona State University and a Professional Certificate in Biomimicry from Biomimicry 3.8 Institute in 2015. She also holds an MS in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Minnesota. She was sought out by the UN as an international expert in biomimicry and contributed to the UN report on using biomimicry and other innovations to tackle air pollution and climate change (December 2021).