I am very keen on biological fieldwork and have had a few related experiences in this area. One of the main trips was in September 2018 in which I and two other researchers from The Mediated Matter Group traveled to South Africa to conduct biological and architectural site analysis. The project was initiated with Design Indaba (Ravi Naidoo) and the resulting architectural proposal was created in discussion with the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Credit: Sunanda Sharma
Image courtesy of The Mediated Matter Group
One of the key sites was Signal Hill, a culturally, historically, and ecologically important location in Cape Town.
Credit: Sunanda Sharma
Image courtesy of The Mediated Matter Group
Cape Town is within the Cape Floristic Region, one of the most densely diverse areas of the floral world.
Credit: Sunanda Sharma
Image courtesy of The Mediated Matter Group
Signal Hill has evolved much in terms of vegetation in recent years, but still has a rare and endemic type of plant known as Renosterveld.
Credit: Sunanda Sharma
Image courtesy of The Mediated Matter Group
In collaboration with Design Indaba and with the aid of local research facilities at the University of Cape Town, we extracted DNA samples of soil and water from different areas in Western Cape.
Credit: Sunanda Sharma and Rachel Soo Hoo Smith
Image courtesy of The Mediated Matter Group
I focused particularly on low-cost, easy methods for analysis such as simple microscopy to better visualize pigments from floral samples and soil samples.
Credit: Sunanda Sharma
Image courtesy of The Mediated Matter Group
In addition to the biological research, we conducted significant cultural research to better understand the rich history of the peoples of the region. We traveled to Cederberg to view the Sevilla Rock Art Trail and the !Khwa ttu San Cultural Center to learn from experts in this space. Our close relationship with Design Indaba afforded us the opportunity to travel to Robben Island, take walking tours of Cape Town, and travel in Western Cape.
Credit: Sunanda Sharma
Image courtesy of The Mediated Matter Group
The floral diversity of the region is stunning and greatly preserved and appreciated in extensive botanical gardens. In cooperation with researchers from the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University, we were able to learn about the natural cycles and ecology of the Cape Floristic Region.
Credit: Sunanda Sharma
Image courtesy of The Mediated Matter Group
Credit: Sunanda Sharma
Image courtesy of The Mediated Matter Group
Credit: Sunanda Sharma
Image courtesy of The Mediated Matter Group
Credit: Sunanda Sharma
In addition, as part of the 2019 NASA/ESA Astrobiology Summer School, I hiked around Zumaia Flysch in Spain. Led by expert geologists and astrobiologists, we learned about the unique Flysch rock formations.
Credit: Sunanda Sharma
We were able to examine the K-T boundary up close on Itzurun Beach, a key geological signature denoting the end of the Cretaceous Era.
Credit: Fatima Husain