Heather Barnett
Barnett presents a talk on creating a semi-intellgent slime mold using Physarum polycephalum. While this single celled organism has no brain nor central nervous system, it shows a primitive form of memory, problem-solving skills and the apparent ability to make decisions.
It is also quite beautiful and makes therefore for a great creative collaborator. Although ultimately I cannot control the final outcome, it is a rather independent organism.