November 20, 2023
Mesa College Unveils Permanent Display based on San Diego Kelp Forests
Collaboration to be exhibited in Math and Science building
By Paul Detwiler
San Diego, C.A. – An interdisciplinary collaboration of scientific expertise and
artistry has resulted in a visually stunning interpretive display in the hallway of
the 3rd floor of the MS Building. Led by biology professor Paul Detwiler, the production
team included Jenny Armer, Museum Studies ILT in the Department of Fine Art, and Museum
Studies students Gaby Espina and Sara Shah. Together, they created realistic models
of marine species while also including specimens from the biology department’s teaching
collections to represent a microcosm of undersea life.
“This was a wonderful collaboration that offered our museum studies students the opportunity
to hone their exhibition design and fabrication skills” said Alessandra Moctezuma,
Art Gallery Director and Museum Studies Professor. “There are so many ways in which
the creativity, observational and visual communication skills that we use in the arts
are of great value to other STEM disciplines such as the natural sciences and engineering.”
Professor Detwiler agrees. “The display looks amazing, and we hope to develop more
artistic collaborations between Fine Arts and the School of Mathematics & Natural
Sciences to showcase student talent, stimulate interest in STEM fields, and communicate
science topics to the Mesa community and beyond.”
The public is invited to view the permanent display (located next to room MS 313)
and to learn more about the biodiversity of our local San Diego kelp forests by accessing
the display’s accompanying website (https://mesacollegekelpdis.wixsite.com/).
Museum Studies Department
This three-course program provides theory, instruction and practical experience in
all aspects of design and installation of art exhibitions. Students receive an overview
of the history, functions and operations of art galleries and Museums. Museum Studies Program and Courses | San Diego Mesa College (sdmesa.edu)
About San Diego Mesa College
San Diego Mesa College is a fully accredited, comprehensive community college committed
to access, success, and equity. We honor those commitments as a diverse community
of students, faculty, professional staff, and administrators who collaborate to foster
scholarship, leadership, innovation, and excellence in an inclusive learning environment.
By promoting student learning and achievement that leads to degrees and certificates,
transfer, workforce training, and lifelong learning, we empower our students to reach
their educational goals and shape their future. Among the largest community colleges
in California, Mesa College serves 30,000 students per year, 25% of whom are full-time.
Mesa offers nearly 200 associate degree and certificate programs and is one of 15
California community colleges offering a four-year baccalaureate degree. Mesa ranks
as San Diego’s top transfer institution, is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution and
a Military Friendly School, serving more than 3,500 veterans and their families. www.sdmesa.edu.
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Tags: Marine Biology, Museum Studies, Press Release, San Diego Mesa College Math and Science
