ARTECH·TALK | Lola Fatoyinbo | Spectrum of Life: Earth’s Artistic Canvas from Space
Dr. Lola Fatoyinbo, an expert in forest ecology and ecosystem structure using remote sensing at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, invites you to a captivating exploration of our planet’s natural artistry. This presentation unveils the profound and moving insights gained from studying the vibrant tapestry of Earth’s colors as seen from orbit.
Dr. Fatoyinbo will illuminate how each color on Earth’s surface, from the rich greens of vast forests to the varying blues of oceans teeming with plankton, tells an intricate story of ecological health and interconnectedness. Through her expertise in remote sensing, she deciphers these chromatic patterns, revealing the secrets of diverse ecosystems such as the intricate mangrove wetlands and the expansive American woodlands.
The talk will highlight the artistic and emotional impact of these observations, emphasizing how they move beyond mere data to become a narrative of our planet’s living, breathing biosphere. Attendees will learn how the observation of these colors from space is not only a scientific endeavor but also an artistic journey, offering unique and poignant perspectives on the natural world.
Aligned with the artistic spirit of ARTECHOUSE’s “Beyond the Light” exhibition, this talk bridges the gap between art and science, showing how the study of Earth’s colors from space can move us, inspire us, and deepen our connection to the planet we call home.
Dr. Lola Fatoyinbo is a Research Scientist in the Biospheric Sciences Lab at NASA GSFC where she studies forest ecology and ecosystem structure with Remote Sensing. She serves on the GEDI and ICESat-2 Mission Science Teams and is Principal investigator on NASA Earth Science research. Lola received her Doctorate in Environmental sciences with a focus on Forest Ecology and Remote Sensing of Mangrove Wetlands. After her Ph.D, she received a NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellowship at the Radar Science and Engineering Section at the Caltech-Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where her primary research focus was on quantifying forest extent, height and biomass through the development of multi-sensor (passive optical, SAR and lidar) fusion algorithms. At NASA GSFC, her research is focused on characterizing the vulnerability and response of forests and coastal ecosystems to disturbances from land use and climate change; LiDAR and SAR remote sensing of Terrestrial and Coastal ecosystem structure and carbon stocks; as well as using Earth Observation to support the Biodiversity, Conservation and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. She is involved in new instrument and technology development, airborne and field campaigns, development of carbon monitoring systems and ecosystem services accounting. In addition, Lola is involved in science communication and training the next generation of scientist. In 2012 she was the recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award in Science and Engineering for her efforts on merging scientific priorities with advanced technology to develop innovative remote-sensing instrumentation for carbon-cycle and ecosystems science.
Date: Wednesday, January 31
Time:
5pm-6pm Programming
6pm-7pm Exhibition Experience
Location: ARTECHOUSE DC
Tickets will become available one week prior to the event. Make sure you follow us on social media @artechouse where they will be announced.
Your complimentary ticket includes admission to the exhibition.
ARTECHTALK programming is a free series of talks and conversations with NASA scientists, inspired by Beyond the Light at ARTECHOUSE DC.
Beyond the Light, an original artistic expression of scientific discoveries conceptualized and created by ARTECHOUSE Studio in collaboration with NASA, is the story of how human innovation has enabled us to see beyond our imaginations and into the furthest reaches of the cosmos. The cinematic exhibition submerges you into the timeless story of light and aims to inspire your curiosity for what else is possible.
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