Bluffton University junior Chelsea Zoltowski will present a speech titled “Sticky Geckos: My Research Experience Studying Gecko Adhesion” at 11 a.m. on Feb. 7 in the Reading Room of Musselman Library.

Zoltowski, a chemistry major, will describe her participation in the Research Experience for Undergraduates program at the University of Akron’s College of Polymer Science. She is a resident of Sylvania, Ohio.

Zoltowski was part of a team using biomimicry in their study of geckos. The colorful lizards are known to scurry across walls and ceilings in warm climates, and her research focused on the gecko’s ability to stick. 

“Some real-world applications for gecko stickiness include creating synthetic dry adhesives used in things such as tapes and bandages that can outlast and work as well as the geckos do when adhering to materials,” said Zoltowski.