Presenter: Jean Hertzeberg, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Aesthetic is not a term typically associated with the STEM fields. For Professor Jean Hertzeberg, however, questions of aesthetics are a fundamental to her work as a scientist. In a Thursday workshop, Hertzeberg recently shared her approach to the physics of fluid flow—one that is predicated on the intercession between art and science.
Hertzeberg’s work aims to blur distinctions between art and science. She teaches the popular course Flow Visualization: The Physics and Art of Fluid Flow, which is cross-listed in the mechanical engineering, film, and fine art departments. The course approaches both art and science through the lens of perception; thereby combining the discipline of documented experimentation with theories of aesthetic imaging.
One of the most interesting aspects of Hertzeberg’s work is its interdisciplinary nature. In the Flow Visualization course, engineering and fine arts students work closely together to explore the (previously understudied) aesthetic motivations that contribute to scientific inquiry. A gallery of past student work may be scene at the Flow Visualization Gallery. We also recommend checking out Hertzeberg’s Youtube channel.
Hertzeberg identifies four types of aesthetic interest in flow visualization: beauty, power, destruction, and oddness (Daniel Wurtzel’s ‘Pas De Deux’ is a good example of this). For example, there is something fascinating—and aesthetic—in watching a destructive process like forest fires or floods. This raises some interesting questions. How might aesthetics motivate other disciplines? How are we to identify or understand the underlying aesthetic of a discipline? How might this recognition change our understanding of our work?
For graduate student teachers, regardless of discipline, Hertzeberg recommends seriously considering these questions. Pedagogically, conversations on aesthetics can be extremely valuable. First, it offers opportunities for students to approach the material in new, often attention-grabbing, ways. Second, it introduces cross-disciplinary methodologies that can enrich the subject matter. Be careful, however, when introducing theory from another discipline. This will require additional research on your part to ensure that your representations are accurate.
During the workshop, graduate students in attendance speculated on the aesthetic underpinnings of fields that ranged from computer science to history. The workshop highlighted the value of speaking with colleagues outside of your particular field.
this is good program for the teachers. because when a student come in teaching profession they face many problems. so if the teachers get training by this program they are be very benefited. Go here online essay writer to make an order if you are looking for quality and on time delivery writing services.
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