DURHAM

In the Fall of 2022, Dr. Jules Odendahl of Duke University had her Performing Science class engage in small group experiments to imagine and propose designs for a locally-focused mini-lab for our production of Ocean Filibuster in the Fall. They came up with some fantastic proposals around the effects of plastic debris on marine turtle populations, PFAS in the North Carolina water supply, the health of North Carolina’s estuaries (experienced through a game akin to Monopoly).  Each student group had to develop an idea, a prototype and a budget for their proposed installation.

Over the summer we looked through the proposals with Jules and some student volunteers, and decided together that given time and budget we should choose to actualize the watershed station. The students made large puzzles, cut into quadrants and designed to be put together as a group, that told the story of the impact of flooding on hog farms and trout fisheries in the Albemarle-Pemlico Esturary of North Carolina. 

One of student volunteers, Pratt School of Engineering student and Theater Studies minor by Alexa Bolin Santiago, took on the puzzle design and fabrication based on the Performing Science students’ prototype. Masters in Environmental Management student Gabriel Campos helped construct the puzzle narrative and post-doctoral scholar Jillian Wisse supported the team by compiling a resource list of local water and waterways conservation and preservation groups.

In addition, Gabriel created an ArcGIS story map about wastewater runoff from North Carolina hog farms and its environmental impact on land and communities.