Founder and Research Director Citizen Artist Tucson, AZ, United States
Session Description: Acoustic ecology research is growing within the field of ecology. Excessive sound can negatively impact multispecies communities as well as cause unhealthy environments for humans.
In this workshop, explore what happens when the researcher sets aside conventional research methods and technology and captures sound using only one’s sensory skills and alternative research methods to create and collect data.
Citizen Artist is a participatory science research platform employing Art-Based Perceptual Ecology (ABPE) research methodologies to study ecological systems change. At Citizen Artist, we honor multiple ways of knowing; exploring, and investigating differently—engaging in unbounded curiosity, imagination, and creativity; and embracing integrative approaches to science practice and scientific thinking. ABPE is grounded in multimodal knowledge systems and sensory-based learning modalities, including embodied, haptic, and tacit knowing, among others. Steeped in sensory-based learning models ABPE protocols support research that shows when a number of our senses are engaged during learning the learning sustains at a deeper level and for some is remembered longer. The neuroscience behind engaging in ‘other ways of knowing’ such as ABPE methodologies say there is value in breaking up the smooth continuous flow that our sight-to-brain pathway offers, to break up this flow forces us to step away from our usual assumptions. Those who look at things differently, whether literally or metaphorically, are taking a key step toward looking at the familiar in an unfamiliar and generative way.
In this workshop, participants will experience the acoustics of place – the human-built environment and pre-recorded acoustics of natural habitats. Armed with instruction on the ABPE acoustic ecology sound mapping protocol, the participants will:
· - enhance sensory observation skills
· - learn alternative approaches to creating, collecting, and analyzing empirical evidence
· -explore asking good questions framed by ecological and biological principles Citizen Artist is an approved scientific content provider for ESA’s Professional Certified Ecologist Program. No art experience is needed.
