In this virtual event, we will introduce the role of storytelling in community science and environmental advocacy, and invite artists, storytellers, researchers, and creators centering environmental stories in their work to share their projects and insights into their creative process.

Who should attend?

Community scientists and members of the general public interested in hearing about environmental projects with integral storytelling components.

Date and Time

Thursday, April 14, 9am PT / 11am CT / 12pm ET / 4pm UTC / other time zones. This event will run for approximately 1 hour 15 min.

Call-In Details

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Meeting ID: 975 7648 9808
Passcode: 079744
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Program

Futures Beyond Refining, Dr. Bethany Wiggin
This talk examines a community-based participatory action research project based in south Philadelphia, site of what was, until 2019, the largest and oldest petroleum refinery on the east coast. This talk documents research outcomes, explores arts-driven methods, and considers how research partnerships can effectively work to repair relations and bring about more just energy futures.

Lichens CitiSci, Hanna Mesraty
Lichens CitiSci is a community science project that engages publics around critical issues impacting public lands using lichens as air quality biomonitors. We focus on lichens, the eye-catching bioindicator, to create relatable connections between impacts on our air and why air quality matters.

Pb (Prospering backyards), Maru Garcia
Pb is a project that uses the power of art, science, and community to address the severe case of lead contamination in the soil caused by Exide Technologies in areas of East Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, Vernon, Commerce, Maywood, Huntington Park, and Bell.

Speakers

• Dr. Bethany Wiggin: Dr. Wiggin is an Associate Professor and Director of the Program in Environmental Humanities at the University of Pennsylvania. She is at work on the book, Utopia Found and Lost in Penn's Woods, and coordinates several public research projects including An Ecotopian Toolkit for the Anthropocene, Futures Beyond Refining, and My Climate Story.

• Hanna Mesraty: As an Experience Designer and Science Communicator, Hanna strategizes, implements, and designs mechanisms for accessible and relevant communication, engagement, and community connections. She is currently Program Director of Lichens CitiSci and is also the science communicator ORISE Fellow for the USFS National Air Resource Management program.

• Maru García: Maru is a Mexican artist and researcher working across art + science + environment. Her use of media includes research, installations, performance, sculpture, and video. She is interested in creating spaces of healing, resilience, and regeneration.