Think Tanks
CRESCENDO
A musical piece created from environmental data was presented at a USF 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鈥橪eary, 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.
The CRESCENDO project, focusing on democratizing USF鈥檚 most compelling environmental research, unites faculty鈥攐f all levels and across 8+ colleges鈥攖o (1) define an emergent field of transdisciplinary data-driven arts while (2) building a universal mechanism for enhancing the broader impacts of any USF 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 USF as a leader in environmental research and public engagement, with the project garnering media attention on and USF鈥檚 CAS Chronicles.
Principal Investigator
Heather O鈥橪eary, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Anthropology, 51在线
CRESCENDO Team
- Casey Frechette, Ph.D. (Journalism and Digital Communication, USF)
- Christopher Campbell, M.A. (Journalism and Digital Communication, USF)
- Paul Reller, Ph.D. (Music Composition, USF)
- Matthew McKutchen, Ph.D. (School of Music, USF)
- Mya Breitbart, Ph.D. (Biological Oceanography, USF)
- David Rosengrant, Ph.D. (STEM Education, USF)
- Maggi Mars Brisbane (Biological Oceanography, USF)
- (CITL, Biology, USF)
- Holly Donahue Singh, Ph.D. (Honors Anthropology, USF)
- Sarah Howard (Art & Art History, USF)
- (Hospiltality Management, UCF)
- David Watts, MFA (Art & Art History, USF)
- (Library Research and Instruction, USF)
- (Library Research and Instruction, USF)
- Richard Rho (Education, USF)
Student Contributors
- Grace Oh
- Carrie Clarke
- Huron Falkenburt
- Hunter Pomeroy
- Elis Jones
- Latesia Coleman
- Sparrow Collins
- Anabelle Fletcher
- Isabela Fraguada
In the News
- NPR - All Things Considered:
- CAS Chronicles: Anthropology Professor Bridges Gap in Scientific Communication Through Music
- USF St. Petersburg News:
- CBC Radio: