Sharklet is a completely revolutionary microscopic surface technology that inhibits biofilm formation through a surface pattern alone. The surface doesn't kill bacteria - it keeps it from growing and creating a biofilm formation through topography. This means that it does not contribute to the problem of antibiotic resistance because there are no chemicals or kill-strategies involved. Sharklet may be manufactured onto medical devices or be placed onto surfaces to help prevent the formation of biofilms, and as a result help prevent hospital-acquired infections. Sharklet was discovered by Dr. Anthony Brennan at the University of Florida. He discovered that sharks have skin that inhibits microorganism growth. The Sharklet pattern is inspired by the pattern of sharks.

Washington Park is a 460-acre campus, home to 5 non-profit cultural, educational & environmental institutions (Children’s Museum, Hoyt Arboretum, Japanese Garden, Oregon Zoo, World Forestry Center), plus Portland Parks’ internationally acclaimed Rose Gardens, numerous historical monuments, and 14 miles of trails. Yet surprisingly, there is no single government entity or non-profit in charge of Washington Park as a whole. Historically, each piece of Washington Park has been governed and managed separately, currently involving 5 non-profits, all 4 divisions within Portland Parks & Recreation, Metro, Tri-Met and the Water Bureau. As a result, the shared challenges of this 460-acre campus have never been fully addressed.