JOANNE MARRAS TATE
Ph.D. Candidate at University of Colorado Boulder
A LITTLE ABOUT ME
Joanne Marras Tate ("Jo") is a doctoral student within the Community and Social Interaction area in the Department of Communication at the University of Colorado Boulder. Her background is in Marine Biology and Psychobiology. Jo is a multimedia producer and scholar. Her interests are in environmental communication, science communication, visual communication, emerging media, agnotology, marine sciences, conservation, and education.
CURRENT RESEARCH
I am currently involved in a few communication research projects. I am investigating code-switching practices of Māori parliamentarians during the settlement claims that gave Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River) Personhood rights. I am also looking at how pandas are used to discuss species extinction and other environmental issues. Finally, I am also looking at how species descriptions help the public construct ideas and notions of marine animals and their habitats in aquariums.
PROJECTS
NEST FELLOWSHIP
NEST - 2019 Fellow
“Hey, I know you!”
Enhancing Biophilia Through Species Identification: A Field Guide of CU Boulder Species
The purpose of this project is to increase students’ knowledge and awareness about the different species living at CU Boulder campus—including us.
You can download the field guide here:
http://nestcuboulder.org/2020/04/22/who-is-in-your-backyard/
The interdisciplinary team includes myself, Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Communication, Robert Buehler, M.F.A. candidate in the Department of Art and Art History, and Mathew Sharples, Ph.D. from EBIO.
MICRO PLASTICS WORKING GROUP
WITH INLAND OCEAN COALITION
Ongoing
Working group was established to lead research & fundraising efforts on investigations of the presence of microplastics in Colorado’s headwaters.
Inland Ocean Coalition Mission: The Inland Ocean Coalition’s unifying charge is to develop a two-way relationship with the ocean and water. Those who live among mountains, rivers, and inland cities have a direct impact on the cycles of life in the ocean. As the nation's first Inland Ocean Movement, our goal is to be a wellspring for literacy and community engagement across North America.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Some favourite photos from around the world. See more photos and more of my work in Portfolio
RED ROCKS
I am fascinated by the geological structures in Colorado. The Reds Rocks are incredible I enjoy photographing the different layers and contrasts they have with the sky.
FLORIDA CRAB
I found this little guy in Florida going through debris on the beach as he searched for food. One of my favorite things to look for when I am at the beach is 'pseudofeces.' These are little round balls of sand that have been made by crabs after eating detritus and microorganisms from the sand. What is left is not poop, but perfect little sand balls around the beach.
RED DESERT
When living in Australia, I traveled from Adelaide, South Australia to Alice Springs in a 4x4. Saw fascinating peoples and landscapes.