Disciplinary Research Award
The Disciplinary Research Award may be awarded for a range of research projects, inclusive of applied research. Submissions may also be interdisciplinary in method or scope. All research must be original.
Disciplinary Research Award: Brent Smith, Jim Kuehn, Elly Heise and Steve Letkeman | Urban Trees Research & ‘Pulse of the Urban Forest’ multi-sensory exhibition
Disciplinary Research Award Winners
The Medicine Hat College's "Urban Trees" project is an interdisciplinary applied research project, funded by an impact climate grant through Colleges and Institutes Canada. This initiative leverages data from soil sensors embedded in city trees to enhance their self-sustainability and resilience to drought. Spearheaded by Brent Smith, MSc., this project not only collects valuable data but also serves as an innovative exploration into the symbiotic potential between urban and rural environments.
The accompanying exhibition, co-curated by Jim Kuehn, MSc. MA, and Elly Heise, MFA, delves into the symbiotic relationship between culture and our ecosystem. In the captivating showcase titled "Pulse of the Urban Forest," local artists collaborate, examining the balance between individuals and their urban natural surroundings. The exhibition, weaving together art, scientific data, wellness, and technology, offers an immersive experience that ranges from multi-sensory digital art to traditional sculptures.
While the participating artists navigate a diverse array of human-nature connections, they are united in raising the question: how can we as humans improve our ongoing relationship to nature? Participating artists include Kennedy Chisholm, Elly Heise, Morgan Johnson, Jim Kuehn, Jenna Maertz, Tish Pahtayken, Karis Rabanes, and Erika Rouillard.
Through this exhibition, the convergence of art and science not only celebrates the achievements of the "Urban Trees" project but also challenges us to reflect on our role in fostering a more harmonious coexistence with the natural world.
The accompanying exhibition, co-curated by Jim Kuehn, MSc. MA, and Elly Heise, MFA, delves into the symbiotic relationship between culture and our ecosystem. In the captivating showcase titled "Pulse of the Urban Forest," local artists collaborate, examining the balance between individuals and their urban natural surroundings. The exhibition, weaving together art, scientific data, wellness, and technology, offers an immersive experience that ranges from multi-sensory digital art to traditional sculptures.
While the participating artists navigate a diverse array of human-nature connections, they are united in raising the question: how can we as humans improve our ongoing relationship to nature? Participating artists include Kennedy Chisholm, Elly Heise, Morgan Johnson, Jim Kuehn, Jenna Maertz, Tish Pahtayken, Karis Rabanes, and Erika Rouillard.
Through this exhibition, the convergence of art and science not only celebrates the achievements of the "Urban Trees" project but also challenges us to reflect on our role in fostering a more harmonious coexistence with the natural world.