Thesis
Circadian Sea: Video
Yesterday I presented my thesis, Circadian Sea, to ITP faculty and students. Circadian Sea is an interactive display of bioluminescent algae. Cultures of Pyrocystis fusiformis are enclosed in a structure of transparent acrylic spheres, inviting users to manipulate and inspect the algae on a range of scales, from small groups of individually discernable plankton to [...]
Thesis: Visual documentation
In order to document my thesis work, I’ve been struggling to shoot photos and video of bioluminescent algae as it glows. The challenge stems from the fact that the algae only glows when it’s agitated, and it can only be seen in the dark. Last night I took a few pictures and shot some video [...]
Thesis: Midterm Presentation
Thesis Midterm Presentation Slides We had a few visitors in class last week, and I really enjoyed hearing their feedback on my thesis. In developing my presentation, I realized that I have several unanswered questions that I’m grappling with, outside of the technical challenges of developing a rewarding way for people to interact with bioluminescent [...]
Thesis: What is it?
This week Despina asked us three questions: Write 2-3 sentences clear description of your project (imagine it is Thanksgiving and your 16 year cousin and 74 year uncle ask you to describe your thesis). I am building a display that will let you experience the magic of bioluminescent algae outside of its usual context. The [...]
Thesis: Preliminary Drawings
This week I’ve been doing some preliminary sketches for what I’m starting to think of as algae pixels. The idea is to create a way for people to experience an interaction with bioluminescent algae that’s not too far off from seeing it in the ocean. For the first prototype I’m going to be testing ways [...]
Thesis: Timeline
Feb. 18: concept drawings, grow box, annotated bibliography, paper outline, request for space, project calendar/worksheet Feb. 25: containers for pixels, agitation & sensor possibilities, presentation for mid-semester critique, work out low-light photos for documentation March 4: fake interaction test (wizard of oz), order components, pixel working without sensing, documentation March 11: module with sensing, documentation [...]
Bio & Materiality: Bioluminescence
Our first assignment in Design Frontiers in Biology and Materiality was to recreate favorite science experiments from when we were kids. I immediately thought back to summer evenings I spent on Orcas Island, skipping stones into water that sparkled with bioluminescence. After doing a little reading to see if I could actually grow bioluminescent algae [...]
Thesis: Mood Board
Thesis Mood Board Stuff it includes: America Windows by Marc Chagall Bioglyphs exhibit at MSU Bozeman Rocky Shore exhibit at Monterey Bay Aquarium Wind Board by Leah Buechley Funky Forest by Theo Watson Bestiary by me and Bryan Lence Firefly by Jason Krugman Music: where_have_all_my_files_gone? by Rachel’s
Thesis: Week 1
Last semester I developed an interest in using brief moments of delight to open up opportunities for people to contemplate or create a little space of mental clarity for themselves. I’d like to pursue this idea further with my thesis. This week our thesis group, led by Despina Papadopoulos, began with some brainstorming. Here’s a [...]