Think Tanks

CRESCENDO Faculty and Staff

A musical piece created from environmental data was presented at a Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble concert on February 6. The music is written in two parts: Sanctuary, which represents the coral reef under seige and Cardinal Flow that takes you through the ups and downs of red tide.

CRESCENDO (Communicating Research Expansively through Sonification and Community-Engaged Neuroaesthetic Data-literacy Opportunities) is an innovative interdisciplinary project that reimagines how environmental data is communicated. Led by Dr. Heather O’Leary, the initiative translates complex data from critical issues like harmful algal blooms and red tide into immersive experiences that bridge the gap between scientific research and public understanding. 

By applying collective transdisciplinary expertise to new evidence-based techniques in data-driven arts, CRESCENDO engages local and global communities facing dual challenges of (1) marine or environmental risk and (2) marginalization from environmental research dissemination.

CRESCENDO

The CRESCENDO project, focusing on democratizing Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV’s most compelling environmental research, unites faculty—of all levels and across 8+ colleges—to (1) define an emergent field of transdisciplinary data-driven arts while (2) building a universal mechanism for enhancing the broader impacts of any Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV research project with public outreach capable of reaching community members with varying degrees of data literacy. 

Our team builds on traditional publication arcs and outreach with creative projects including research articles on data-driven art (as a field, integrative process, predictor, and diagnostic), multi-level K-20 STEAM lesson plans, artistic products such as public performances (music, dance), music videos, augmented reality experiences, and public gallery installations that enable democratic and lifelong learning. 

Through its innovative use of data-driven arts, CRESCENDO positions Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV as a leader in environmental research and public engagement, with the project garnering media attention on and Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV’s CAS Chronicles.

Principal Investigator

Heather O’Leary, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV

CRESCENDO Team

Student Contributors

  • Grace Oh
  • Carrie Clarke
  • Huron Falkenburt
  • Hunter Pomeroy
  • Elis Jones
  • Latesia Coleman
  • Sparrow Collins
  • Anabelle Fletcher
  • Isabela Fraguada

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