Flow separation can significantly affect the energy efficiency of many internal and external flows. This has led scientists and engineers to search for flow control mechanisms—both passive and active—to prevent or mitigate flow separation. Some examples include vortex generators and synthetic jets. Scientists and engineers have also taken inspiration from nature to develop flow control methods, designing surfaces based on the lotus flower leaf and the skin of shark, among others. Unfortunately, these systems have shown limited performance in full-scale  applications. In this seminar, we discuss how a shark-inspired micro-scale surface (see figure) modulates the dynamics of wall-bounded flows. Particle image velocimetry measurements in a refractive index-matching flume provide evidence that this bio-inspired surface has the potential to mitigate flow separation without significantly producing additional turbulence, as normally encountered on random rough surfaces, i.e. sand grain. By employing this micro-scale surface on a section of a wind turbine airfoil, we show that separation is considerably reduced and the detachment point is shifted downstream. The mechanism by which this mushroom-like surface modulates the flow dynamics and reduces separation is related to suction and blowing along the micro-surface canopy, resulting in highand low-speed regions between the micro-pillars. Besides wind energy applications, this unique surface may offer benefits of drag reduction for hydrodynamic bodies, airplanes, and cars. Contrary to superhydrophobic coatings, which quickly lose functionality, this bio-inspired coating works under fully wetted conditions, making it attractive for underwater applications.