Honors Projects

Abstract

“Water Color: Inspiring Conservation of Freshwater Systems by Painting With Algae” is a project that focuses on raising awareness of harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie through the creation of algae-based paint. Its goal is to provide a multidisciplinary outlet for understanding complex interactions between the causes, effects, and solutions of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). The novel part of this project is the creation of watercolor paint from algae cells. This paint was used to create algae-based artwork that facilitates an aesthetic interaction with the science of HABs when other informative materials- such as journal articles- can be confusing and intimidating for a person who does not have background knowledge on the issue.

Because this project aims to inform people about HABs and inspire sustainable change, its success will depend on how many people can interact with it. It has grown to be bigger than myself as an individual scientist or artist, and transformed into a project that will continue far into the future.

Department

Honors Program

Major

Biology

First Advisor

Christopher Ward

First Advisor Department

Biological Sciences

Second Advisor

Charles Tucker

Second Advisor Department

School of Art

Third Advisor

Christine Shaal

Third Advisor Department

Honors Program

Publication Date

Fall 12-12-2021

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