In the traditionally hard science realms of conservation and ecology, opportunities for intersection with the arts and humanities are rare. However, BlueGAP (Blue Green Action Platform) is breaking down these boundaries and achieving remarkable success by embracing this unique fusion. 

As Adelina Pineda Canganelli, an English PhD student, reflected on her experience with BlueGAP, she shared how the program unexpectedly bridged the gap between her academic focus and community-engaged conservation work. “Although I’ve always had a fascination with environmental science and conservation, I thought that entering an English PhD program would close me off to research outside of the humanities, and did not anticipate any opportunity to collaborate directly with community-engaged conservation programs,” said Canganelli. However, through her participation in BlueGAP, Canganelli was able to engage in exactly the type of cross-disciplinary work she hadn’t imagined possible. “Through BlueGAP, I’ve been able to not only reimagine what the limitations of humanities work might look like in my own career but also practice more community-driven skills that are difficult to pick up through formal coursework, such as public-facing writing and archival research.” 

This synthesis of creative and scientific efforts is at the heart of BlueGAP, a collaborative project aimed at addressing nitrogen pollution in watersheds across the United States. By providing communities with visual water quality information, storytelling, and actionable solutions, BlueGAP empowers local stakeholders to engage with environmental issues in a meaningful way. Graduate students from the University of Iowa’s arts and humanities departments are integral to this effort, lending their expertise in ways that blend art, science, and community engagement. 

The summer cohort of students, guided by English Professor Eric Gidal and IIHR Program Manager Kate Giannini, participated in a 10-week “crash course” on Iowa’s water quality challenges. They collaborated with professionals from various fields, such as farmers, community organizers, educators, and engineers, and applied their learnings to create impactful projects. 

For students like Lexie Doerr, a Graphic Design MFA candidate, the residency provided an opportunity to push the boundaries of their artistic skills. “The BlueGAP residency allowed me the opportunity to apply my design skillset in a new way. I challenged myself with incorporating animation into my series of infographics and was pleased with how they turned out!” This process of artistic exploration helped students refine both their technical abilities and their understanding of real-world issues, such as soil erosion in Iowa. Doerr noted that her experience with BlueGAP directly influenced her current design work, which now focuses on prairie ecosystems and soil health. 

Canganelli’s experience with the program was equally transformative. The hands-on work she completed not only shaped her academic trajectory but also deepened her connection to environmental issues. “I was especially affected by our conversations with farmers and the sheer variety of considerations they have to take into account when considering their nitrogen impact on their communities,” she said. One experience that particularly stood out to Canganelli was a visit to Dick Sloan’s farm near Rowley, IA. “I was in awe of the joyful and respectful manner with which Dick approaches his work as a farmer, and our conversations with him solidified my belief that institutions such as the University of Iowa should be using their resources to uplift and celebrate the work of environmental activists.” 

This unique intersection of the arts and humanities with environmental science not only fosters professional and personal growth for students but also nurtures innovative solutions to pressing environmental challenges. At the end of the summer, the cohort showcased their work through an art exhibit, celebrating both their findings and artistic interpretations of water quality issues. 

As Doerr reflected, “The BlueGAP residency is an awesome example of what can happen when folks from different disciplines come together to collaborate on a shared goal. It’s truly inspiring and needs to happen more often!” Through BlueGAP, students are gaining hands-on experience while making meaningful contributions to the fight against nitrogen pollution.  

Meet the Students Behind BlueGAP: 

Adelina Pineda Canganelli (she/her/hers): A PhD student in English, Adelina’s research focuses on Victorian social realist novels and the Decadent and Aesthetic movements. Her literary background enriches the storytelling aspect of BlueGAP, making complex scientific data more relatable and compelling.  Ding Darling

Lexie Doerr (she/her/hers): A Graphic Design MFA candidate at the University of Iowa with a secondary focus on painting, Lexie’s interests lie in design, museum studies, and community involvement. Her visual skills are crucial in creating the impactful educational materials that BlueGAP disseminates.  Infographic and prairie roots display

Nkem Dike (she/her/hers): An MA student in French, Nkem has extensive experience in community conflict assessments related to environmental injustice in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. Her expertise in community cohesion and resilience informs the project’s approach to engaging with affected populations. Iowa Community Engagement Voices

Adrian Gronseth (he/him/his): A first-year MA student in History, Adrian studies the intersection of race and music in the 19th-century United States. His historical perspective helps contextualize the cultural and social impacts of nitrogen pollution. Monocrop Video

Maryam Torkashvand (she/her/hers): A PhD student in GIScience and Cartography, Maryam specializes in applying geographic and visualization techniques to real-world challenges. Her technical skills are vital for developing the geographic components of BlueGAP’s platform.  Rivers and Risks in Iowa

Liv Kane (she/her/hers): An MFA Nonfiction graduate student, Liv is interested in the intersections between community storytelling, ecology, and food systems. Her work with BlueGAP focuses on capturing and sharing the lived experiences of those impacted by nitrogen pollution.  Feedings

Through the collaborative efforts of these talented students, BlueGAP is not only addressing the technical aspects of nitrogen management but also creating a platform where science, art, and community come together to inspire meaningful change. This interdisciplinary approach is made possible by the diverse group of students contributing their expertise to the project. 

Funding for the BlueGAP project is provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF).