معرفی
Katharine A. Owens is a Professor in the Department of Politics, Economics, and International Studies within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Hartford, where she also serves as Director of the Rell Center for Public Service. Her work uniquely integrates civic engagement, environmental science, and artistic practice to address plastic pollution and marine debris challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Education:
- PhD, University of Twente
- MS, College of Charleston
- BA, College of Charleston
Professor Owens' research examines human impacts on water resources and leverages artistic expression to confront environmental crises, particularly plastic pollution. She leads fieldwork on marine debris collection, develops policy interventions through student collaborations, and creates large-scale public art installations that visualize ecological damage. Her approach combines scientific analysis with community engagement to drive systemic change in environmental policy and public awareness.
Scientific Awards:
- National Geographic Explorer
- Fulbright Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Award (2018-19)
Professor Owens has secured major funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Fulbright Nehru Foundation, and National Geographic Society to support student-led initiatives including marine debris monitoring for Connecticut legislative committees, international policy advocacy through the ENACT program, and cross-cultural collaborations with Middle Eastern institutions via the Stevens' Initiative. Her 'Entangled and Ingested' art project—funded by the Connecticut Office of the Arts, Middletown Commission on the Arts, and University of Hartford Harrison Grant—engages communities in creating life-sized animal portraits from reclaimed plastic, exemplifying her commitment to translating research into tangible public action.
She directs the 'Entangled and Ingested' project, which has produced installations like the 60-foot sperm whale at University of Hartford's Harrison Libraries, and maintains international research partnerships in India, Indonesia, and Uganda through National Geographic Society grants. Her work bridges academic research, policy development, and public art to create multidimensional responses to the global plastic crisis.
