A week at the Biosphere 2
I spent one week at the Arizona Biosphere 2 researching coral in the ocean biome alongside head researcher Lia Crocker. Our focus was studying the growth and color of the coral, drawing on data collected over a three-month period to track coral health as ocean temperatures rise. During the five days I worked, my main role was to help rehabilitate the coral and adapt it to the ocean biome.
Working with a real science team, contributing to an active study, and problem-solving through obstacles let me experience what being a research scientist is actually like — not just hearing or viewing their work, but living the day-to-day of it. The experience left me feeling more confident in my future in science and grateful to work within a like-minded community on a subject I care about.
At the end of the week, we presented our findings. Our analysis of the pigmentation data recorded over the past three months found an increase in saturation, indicating improving health. However, when we analyzed the coral’s surface-area growth, the data and graphs showed scattered growth patterns that were inconsistent with the rehabilitation.
Through closer observation, I noticed that this record of the coral’s growth was likely faulty, due to inconsistent camera angles used to capture it over time. I presented this finding to the team and helped alter their collection methods going forward so they would be more consistent and produce accurate data. My contribution made me feel a part of the research team and more confident in pursuing science.
Looking back, I realize it was my eye as an artist — trained to notice color, angle, and composition — that helped me catch what the data alone couldn’t show, reminding me that science and art often see the world through the same lens.