About -- Dr. Lee Ann Woolery
With a focus on divergent ways of knowing, Dr. Lee Ann Woolery is the originator of Art-Based Perceptual Ecology, (ABPE) a transdisciplinary approach to conducting ecological research. Dr. Woolery holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England and a MAAT from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
“In the early 1990s, during my graduate studies in art therapy, I was introduced to art-based research (ABR) methodologies, which originated in the social sciences and were designed to work with a human population. I recognized they could have great potential and application when working with more-than-human populations. Simultaneous with pursuing a PhD in environmental studies, I envisioned how I could expand ABR methods and frame them within ecological and biological principles to serve field-based scientific research to study changes in ecological systems. Through an iterative process, I developed this new methodology and set of tools responding to applied questions within the natural sciences, specifically for studying environmental change at multiple scales. And the evolution of this process resulted in the birth of Art-Based Perceptual Ecology research methodologies.”
Dr. Woolery’s dissertation: Art-based perceptual ecology as a way of knowing the language of place, can be purchased by contacting her HERE.
The ABPE shadow drawing protocol communicates a visual narrative of the land’s story through patterns. More of her research using ABPE methods can be seen HERE.
I am honored for the invitation to join the editorial board as Associate Editor for the Ecological Society of America's (ESA) new international journal, Earth Stewardship.
TheEarth Stewardship Journal serves as a forum for the cultural exchange of diverse knowledge systems and collective understanding on how we can protect our planet.
The Journal provides a conceptual/operational framework for linking diverse knowledge systems (research) and action at multiple scales. It implies a paradigm shift that links facts and values, multiple forms of ecological knowledge and practices, and broadens the mission of the ecological sciences. Dr. Woolery
2024 Happenings
Deep Immersion into Art-Based Perceptual Ecology Research Methods
6-Session Experiential and Online Course. Offered by: Citizen Artist™
Thursdays. October 24 - November 28 Weekly, 9:00 am – 10:30 am (MST)*
Learn non-conventional and integrative field-based scientific research methodologies applicable to participatory research projects; learn how to bring diversity and inclusion to participatory science research using a multimodal knowledge systems approach. Includes synchronous, asynchronous and experiential learning platforms. More info HERE.
Art-based perceptual ecology, a transdisciplinary approach to stimulate translational research efforts.
Citi-Sci, Mizzou Tech Hub, University of Missouri
November 13. Virtual workshop.
Art-based perceptual ecology, an integrative approach to scientific practice and thinking.
Ecological Society of America Conference - ESA 2024
August 4-9, Long Beach, CA. Online presentation.
ABPE - an integrative approach to scientific practice and thinking.
June 24, Biosphere 2, Tucson, AZ. For Arizona Science Teachers Association (ASTA). In-person workshop.
ABPE an integrative approach to address critical eco-socio issues.
April 24, South Africa - virtual presentation for PsySSA
PsySSA is the Climate and Environment Psychology Division of Southern Africa hub for psychological research, action, practice, and public engagement addressing the affective relationships between humans and the environment.
Past Happenings - 2023
Art-Based Perceptual Ecology, a transdisciplinary approach to conservation efforts.
International Consortium on Conservation Biology - ICCB 2023
July 24, Kigali, Rwanda In-person oral presentation.
Art-Based Perceptual Ecology: An alternative research methodology for acoustic ecology research.
Ecological Society of America Conference - ESA 2023
Aug. 9, Portland, OR In-person experiential workshop.
In this 90-minute workshop, explore what happens when the researcher sets aside conventional research methods and technology and captures sound using only human sensory skills and alternative research methods to create and collect data.
Art-Based Perceptual Ecology expands a scientific practice and leads to transformative outcomes.
Ecological Society of America (ESA) Conference 2023
Aug. 7. Portland, OR In-person oral presentation.
Art-Based Perceptual Ecology for conservation and sustainability.
University of California-Berkeley
March 22. Gump Field Station, Moorea Island, French Polynesia
2-session virtual presentation exploring the application of ABPE for island biocultural conservation and sustainability issues.
The Human-Nature Relationship - ABPE in Urban Landscapes.
Biomimicry Europa, Paris, France
Jan. 22 and 28th
2-session virtual workshop with Dr. Woolery, virtual, and Citizen Artist™ Apprentice, Lauren Salm on the ground in Paris facilitating graduate students in political studies from Sciénce Po University to engage in urban ecology and art to study forest systems.
© 2024 Citizen Artist
Dr. Lee Ann Woolery, conducting a plant biodiversity research study in the Sonoran Desert in SE Arizona using the ABPE shadow drawing protocol. All artwork and photos - copyright L.A. Woolery.
Dr. Woolery is proud to work with GALS- Girls on outdoor Adventure for Leadership and Science, a free science program for high school girls in Arizona that integrates outdoor education with place-based science learning. GALS brings young women into the backcountry to increase science proficiency by engaging participants as scientists. Dr. Woolery engages with this group of young women, GALS participants, in field-based research using Art-Based Perceptual Ecology research methodologies to study environmental change.