Chloe Hansen

Conservation Related Experience: This summer, I had the opportunity to present my research at the World Congress of Herpetology held in Kuching, Sarawack, Malaysia, a conference that brings together amphibian and reptile researchers from around the world. I had researched the effect of visual art on increasing engagement in citizen science with the UW Hua Lab. While at the conference, I shared my findings — that visual art about amphibian conservation can increase public interest in participating in science — to an international body of researchers. It was a very important opportunity for me to connect with other researchers in this field and develop a professional network to help guide my career interests in conservation and community.

Connection to Conservation Biology: Amphibians are some of the most endangered vertebrates worldwide. The goal of our research is to determine what tools are most effective in increasing awareness about wetland conservation issues. If people become interested, we also want to know how to get them involved with scientific research and conservation. Citizen science is a great option for this. Presenting my research on art as an engagement tool to an international community is meant to inspire researchers to develop community science programs in their own countries! The Hua Lab at UW Madison has been successful in running these citizen science programs, and it sets a great example for other researchers to better connect with their communities while also supporting local ecosystems and animals.