This exhibit took place in the early fall semester 2023 across Purdue's campus and was developed by students from a class taught at the John Martinson Honors College at Purdue University in the spring semester of 2023. This course, ‘PokéBio: Exploring Biology through pocket monsters’, used Pokémon to teach students about ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. In this student-led project, inspiration from species that are endangered in the Midwest fueled the creation of unique, artistic, and playful pocket monsters.
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The relationship between art, science, and play is intricate and dynamic, reflecting the fundamental human desire to explore and understand the world. While they may seem distinct at first glance, these three domains are interconnected and can influence and inspire each other. Here we integrate these core expressions of humanity to bring a fun experience to our community to learn about the endangered species in our area.
Gym Leaders
Dr. Ximena Bernal
Professor
Biological Sciences
Purdue University
Tomas Vargas-Bernal
Teaching Assistant
Web Development & Simulations Creator
Maggie Dong
Illustrator
and Art Coordinator
Eco-Trainers
Other key people that supported this project:
Alisha Referda (Communications Specialist, College of Science), Allen Bol (Assistant Operations Manager, Purdue Libraries), Clarence Maybee (W. Wayne Booker Chair in Information Literacy. Libraries & School of Information Studies), Erika Kvam (Director & Head Curator, Purdue Galleries), Janice Evans (Department Head, Biological Sciences), Jo McGraw (Artist, 3D painting), John Bowman (Facilities Administrator, Biology), Natasha Duncan (Associate Dean for Academic and International Affairs, John Martison Honors College), Rosanne Altstatt (Assistant Dean, JMHC), Roger Mahrling & his team (IT Biological Sciences, 3D printing), and Todd Wetzel (Assistant Vice Provost, Student Life). We are also grateful to all the building deputy managers who kindly helped us find spots for the creatures from this projects appearing accross campus. Last, but no least, a big shout out to Lonbrian Williams, Keith Lank, and Troy Lyman who helped us move and set up the display cabinets across campus.