©2024 Natalie Ford. Please do not use images without permission from artist.
Starting from the far right, each project in order involves turning toxic bio-oil into safe bioplastic. The next piece displays the impact of pesticide groundwater contamination on livestock. The middle panel shows algae attaching to microplastic creating harmful algae blooms on the surface of the water. The fourth piece illustrates the uranium contamination of an aquifer. Finally, the fifth piece (far left) portrays the effect of enzymes to reduce FOG (fats, oils, and grease) clogging in sewer systems and treatment facilities.
8 x 10 inches, 5 pieces
Paper sketch to digital drawing
In Collaboration with Dr. Erica Majumder, Allondra Woods, Catherine Pettinger, Fuad Shatara, Chamia Chatman, Rachel Rovinsky, and Rob Mejia, UW-Madison
When I first met with my professional and her six students, I expected to learn about one project. Instead, I was introduced to each student and their separate projects. It was suggested that I pick one to make an art piece for, but I felt it was important to represent each student and their incredible water research. I had the idea to create five separate pieces that, when framed side by side, would make a flow between each piece that blended such different projects. I wouldn’t have known about any of this research without this opportunity, and I am grateful to share them and give them the recognition they deserve. As an environmental science student myself, I feel like it is important to share what we learn to educate others to have an impact and make a positive difference.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
My name is Natalie, and I am a senior and environmental science major at UWGB Manitowoc. Art was my original major, but that plan changed when I enrolled in my first environmental science class. Since then, I have done art in my free time in multiple mediums, primarily digital art. As I have continued my studies, my passions for both art and the environment have only grown, and I hope a career and life outside of college will allow me to pursue them both.
Spotify link to podcast interview by SDG with Natalie about her artwork and student research.
ABOUT THE WATER PARTNER
Dr. Erica Majumder is an Assistant Professor of Bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has a B.A. in Chemistry from Drury University, a Ph.D. in Bioinorganic Chemistry from Washington University in St. Louis and did postdoctoral training in environmental microbiology, biogeochemistry and metabolomics at the University of Missouri-Columbia and The Scripps Research Institute. At Wisconsin, she teaches Microbial Physiology and runs a research lab the focuses on the microbiology of waste management. When not in lab, she is getting to know Wisconsin’s waterways and trails!
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