Biology Department unveils collaborative mural

The Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Biology Department recently invited campus nature and science lovers to a collaborative mural event featuring local beetle diversity.

The event took place on March 14 at Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø's Hanson Hall of Science, where the mural was installed by Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø students and faculty on the building's third floor.

Associate Professor Dr. Tierney Brosius said the mural features beetles collected at the local field station by Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø students as part of her summer research.

"Art has the power to translate science into something deeply felt and understood," said Dr. Brosius. "By collaborating with artists, we're bridging the gap between research and community, helping people see ¨C and care about ¨C the incredible biodiversity in their own backyards."

The designers of the mural are Wendy DesChene and Jeff Schmuki, the co-founders of PlantBot Genetics. The artists¡¯ work combines activism, research and social space to foster discussion and generate action in the area of ecological awareness. DesChene is a faculty member of Auburn University, which provided a $28,000 grant to fund Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø's mural.

The pair of artists brought their PlantBot Genetics' Artlab, a mobile lab, to Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø in July 2024 for a community event that celebrated the intersection of art and science. The event highlighted local biodiversity and included the baiting and collecting of local beetles.

"Collaborating with Wendy and Jeff was a fantastic experience for both me and my students,¡± Dr. Brosius said. ¡°It not only enriched our research, but also helped us see our work through a new, creative lens ¨C one that makes science more accessible and inspiring to the broader community."

In addition to participating in the mural installation, Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø students, with the guidance of Dr. Brosius, are contributing to a publication reflecting on the summer experience and mural installation.