Alejandra Ortega, a Ph.D. student in bioscience at KAUST, researches carbon fluxes of mangrove, seagrass, and macroalgae, focusing on estimating marine plants' contribution to blue carbon sequestration using metagenomes and eDNA barcoding. She aims to aid environmental managers and policymakers in better estimating blue carbon budgets for marine conservation. Ortega co-founded the Science Crossroads Initiative (SCI) at KAUST to explore the intersection of science with disciplines like philosophy, history, and the arts. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's research into blue carbon sequestration and the university's focus on interdisciplinary initiatives to foster science communication and community engagement.
KAUST master's student Parsifal Islas Morales received the Cinna Lomnitz Medal from the Mexican parliament. The award recognizes his science communication work in Mexico through the organization 'Pa'Ciencia la de Mexico'. Islas Morales' undergraduate thesis from UNAM was in collaboration with KAUST, focused on Red Sea bacteria. Why it matters: The award highlights KAUST's role in fostering international collaboration and supporting students who contribute to science communication in their home countries.
KAUST research photographer Anastasia Khrenova designed a scientific art display for the 2018 Winter Enrichment Program (WEP). The "Visualizing the Human Machine Future" exhibition showcased photographs and scientific illustrations from KAUST laboratories. The exhibit aimed to communicate science nonverbally and provide viewers with a glimpse into the university's research activities. Why it matters: Such initiatives help promote scientific research to the public and attract potential researchers to KAUST, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of scientific endeavors in the region.
Lewis Dartnell, professor of science communication at the University of Westminster, spoke at KAUST about how to rebuild the world after an apocalyptic scenario. Dartnell is the author of "The Knowledge: How to Rebuild our World from Scratch." The Enrichment in the Fall lecture took place on October 17. Why it matters: Public lectures at KAUST contribute to knowledge dissemination and engagement with global challenges.
Astrophysicist Kip Thorne discussed his role as the lead scientific advisor for the movie "Interstellar" at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program in 2016. Thorne collaborated with the movie's visual effects team to ensure the depictions of astrophysical objects like black holes and wormholes were scientifically sound. Thorne highlighted his collaboration with director Christopher Nolan and the challenges of blending scientific accuracy with Nolan's artistic vision. Why it matters: The lecture highlights KAUST's commitment to engaging with cutting-edge science and its applications in popular culture.