Independent Undergraduate Research

During the Summer of 2020, I received a grant to complete research with my mentor, Rex Hanger. This research focused on the Anthropocene and what the stratigraphic future could look like based on current consumption and disposal habits by humans. "Future fossils" were created that showcase what fossils could look like with plastic and other man made objects.

My work began with collecting garbage across multiple locations in Southern Wisconsin. The items were then cleaned and organized for further examination. During the cleanup process, I took note of all the objects found and was developing sketches for sculptures and drawings along the way.

I plan to expand on this research and create multimedia artwork that combines sculptures and drawings with the items I have collected throughout Southern Wisconsin. I presented this research at the University of Whitewater's Fall Undergraduate Research Day. The poster I presented can be seen below.

During my second, and last year at Whitewater, I was able to continue this research, concluding with the development of two multimedia drawings as well as one sculpture to show the impact plastic has on the environment as well as humans.

This first drawing shows a seagull being choked by a human hand created by the plastic I collected throughout southern Wisconsin. This is a representation of the harm that humans impose on seabirds through the plastic we create and dispose of. Many seabirds die due to confusing plastic/microplastics for food.

This sculpture represents what humans could become. We unknowingly (or perhaps, knowingly, but without the knowledge of the extent of the damage this does to our bodies) consume microplastics daily and that is a direct result of our consumption and disposal habits.

This is a second drawing of a bird that has died due to the consumption of plastic. This drawing is based off a photograph of a baby albatross that consumed enough plastic they mistook as food that has killed them. These and many other beautiful creatures are suffering due to the careless and reckless consumption and disposal habits of plastics by humans.

The poster I presented at the UW System symposium is displayed below, summarizing the entirety of this research project with all deliverables pictured.

This project was very eye opening and truthfully hurt my heart. It made me realize that my part of my purpose on Earth is to raise awareness about the issues our planet faces. My intent with this project is to help the public understand the footprints they are leaving behind based on their consumption and disposal habits. By bridging the gap between art and science in this way, I am able to reach a broader audience. People may not understand exactly why plastic is bad for the environment or have access to information to better help the planet. My art requires little thought to understand that this isn't right. I want anyone who looks at the art I am creating to see the reality in what is being presented to them; If consumption habits do not change, this is the future of our planet.