Mediating Ocean Futures Impact Outcomes
Mediating Ocean Futures
Students in the Mediating Ocean Futures Lab partnered with co-faculty Lisa Han from the Department of English - Film and Media studies program as well as Clifford Kapono from Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory - School of Ocean Futures to investigate ocean futures. Together the student-faculty team reflected on the role of different kinds of ocean storytelling in helping to build a just and sustainable planetary future. The impact outcomes encompass marketing campaigns and innovative approaches, such as the development of fundamental concepts for a game.
Student Outcomes
Little Marine Scientists:Conservation Education for Kids
"Little Marine Scientists" is an organization founded by a team of students, focused on educating young students about ocean plastic pollution, conservation, and technology. Their goal is to inspire and cultivate an interest in future scientists and researchers through discussions on the Pacific Garbage Patch and hands-on projects for kids. The initiative addresses the gap in elementary science programs, particularly in landlocked schools, where ocean health and conservation are often overlooked. By introducing foundational concepts early, the organization aims to spark an interest in STEM careers related to ocean and conservation studies. Read more about it here.
Reef Relief: Conserving the Coral Ecosystem Through Animation
A group of students developed a media campaign with the purpose of addressing coral bleaching issues. Their intentions include educating about current coral bleaching problems, promoting environmental mindfulness, encouraging sustainable practices, and inspiring young people to take action. The campaign aims to raise awareness through a comprehensive overview of the causes and effects of coral bleaching, advocating for the inclusion of marine conservation topics in school curricula. The method of delivery involves using stop-motion animation, targeting primary and secondary school students through platforms like YouTube and TikTok for better visualization and understanding of the coral bleaching issue. Check it out here.
Pacify. Not Pollute.
This campaign aims to increase awareness of the severe consequences of plastic pollution in our oceans, affecting both ecosystems and human well-being. The primary objective is to foster a sense of tranquility, restoration, or a return to a peaceful state. Leveraging a series of engagements on Instagram, the campaign seeks to promote a serene oceanic environment by urging users to actively participate in supporting the restoration of our oceans. Check it out here.
One fish, Two fish, Red fish, Dead fish.
Given that overfishing is not as widely recognized as other ocean-related challenges, Norah Rucker's primary target audience for this initiative is today's youth, aiming to educate them and address the issue for future generations. As part of the comprehensive campaign, Rucker plans to engage with major fishing companies in the United States, including Trident Seafood and Red Chamber, with the explicit goal of addressing the problem proactively. Read more about it here.
Ocean Harvesters: Resource Extraction
"Ocean Harvesters" is a serious role-playing game developed by students that addresses the issues of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, deep-sea mining, and marine transportation. The game emphasizes the impact of resource extraction from the oceans on biodiversity and the unequal distribution of these impacts among communities. With a focus on the lack of regulatory frameworks and uncertainties surrounding ocean stewardship, the game aims to encourage college-level students to explore local resources, learn about, and take action on these critical issues. Read more about it here.
My perspective on ocean sustainability has widened through this lab. Sustainability requires support through science, business, media, and culture. This was a super unique class experience. Instead of learning what is happening to our oceans, we got to learn what we can do to save the oceans future.
-- Ellison Phillips, Biology Major; concentration in genetics
My favorite aspect of the Lab was the opportunity to work with a team because my major does not really offer many classes that do team projects. I leaned a lot through working directly with others and I really enjoyed developing our project together.
I definitely recommend the Humanities Lab for any student looking to apply their knowledge and skills to a more hands-on application
-- Charlene Bernabe, Biochemistry Major and Global Health Minor
Although I have previously participated in research projects, understanding how to turn an idea into a concrete outcome was entirely new to me. Learning how to account for factors such as marketing or stakeholder collaboration through time and financial management has been a valuable personal learning experience for me.
-- Kim Ngyen, Sustainability Major
Collaborative Partners
- Joey Eschrich, Center for Science and the Imagination at ASU
- Maureen Kobierowski, Humanities Lab at ASU
- Matthew Toro, Geospatial Hub, ASU Library
- Victor Vescovo, ASU Library Makerspace
- Dr. Isaiah Walker, BYU Hawaii