The research Lora Luo is communicating is about optimizing aquaponics, which refers to a food production system that uses the waste produced by farmed fish or other aquatic animals to supply nutrients for plants to be grown, which in turn purifies the water. This method of farming could be much more sustainable than conventional agriculture. Luo started by reflecting on how aquaponic could be relevant to her life–what an “Aquaponic Life” would look like–and made some interesting connections between day-to-day objects and core initiatives of aquaponics.

Hand soap was Luo’s first inspiration, which has become one of the essentials in her daily life since the pandemic hit. The corresponding piece is at the bottom right of this work, and she was trying to convey the message that practicing sustainability is as important as dealing with the pandemic since they are both so close to our life at the moment. 

Then she illustrated the other three: the top left is a magnifier, which represents the ongoing research on aquaponics; the top right is an electrical outlet, which touches on the energy aspect of aquaponics and how they can reduce water waste using finely engineered systems; the bottom left is a cake that highlights aquaponics as reliable food production systems.

Food security and sustainability should not be left out of our daily conversation, and more awareness about novel solutions should be brought up. Luo really appreciated this learning experience about aquaponics, and she hopes you enjoy it as well!