West Virginia University Libraries’ Art in the Libraries Committee selected Kushal Naharki, a WVU graduate research assistant studying plant and soil science, as the 2024 Graduate Student Exhibit Award winner, and WVU Department of Biology Teaching Professor Jennifer Ripley Stueckle, PhD, as the 2024 Faculty/Staff Exhibit Award winner.
Naharki received the award for his work, “Aerial Detection and Release of Natural Enemy Insects using Drones to Manage Invasive Species.” Invasive species are a major threat to agriculture and forest ecosystems, causing over $26 billion annually since 2010 in economic losses in North America according to a 2021 study published in NeoBiota. Because these species often invade hard-to-reach areas, it is difficult to manage their negative impacts.
Kushal Naharki, a WVU graduate research assistant studying plant and soil science, in front of “Aerial Detection and Release of Natural Enemy Insects using Drones to Manage Invasive Species” exhibit.
Featuring photos of the equipment and images captured by various optical sensors, Naharki’s exhibit showcased the innovative methods developed to use drones to detect invasive species, identify invasive plants and deploy natural enemy insects for management.
“The Art in the Libraries graduate student award was an incredible opportunity to showcase my research to a wider audience. My exhibit highlighted the innovative methods we are developing at WVU using drones to manage invasive plants,” said Naharki. “It was important to share my research with more students, faculty and staff as we are addressing and managing the important issue of invasive species in West Virginia in sustainable ways. This platform helped me have meaningful discussions and reach more people to foster a deeper understanding of aerial surveillance and biological control methods.”
Dr. Stueckle received the award for her work, “Trout in the Classroom: A Journey Through Art and Science.” The beauty and vitality of the United States’ ecosystems come to life, Dr. Stueckle’s winning exhibit showcased her work and the collaborative efforts of local schools, community volunteers and university students in exploring the life cycle of rainbow trout through quilts, paintings, prints and photographic documentation of the project process. The exhibit celebrates the wonder of native species and the educational impact of experiential learning.
WVU Department of Biology Teaching Professor Jennifer Ripley Stueckle, PhD, in front of paintings by fourth grade students at North Elementary School in “Trout in the Classroom: A Journey Through Art and Science” exhibit.
“Trout in the classroom engages students in multidisciplinary activities. This exhibit showcases many facets of the project from the trout life cycle to impacts on the environment and food webs,” said Dr. Stueckle. “Many community groups and members have contributed to the work and I’m proud to show all our collaborations.”
The graduate award recipient received $500 in professional development funds, and Naharki’s project was exhibited in the Research Commons at the Downtown Library throughout the 2024 academic year. The faculty/staff award recipient received $1,000 in professional development funds, and Stueckle’s project was exhibited in Room 1020 at the Downtown Library throughout the 2024 academic year.
With the Annual Graduate Student Award, Faculty/Staff Exhibits Award and others, the Art in the Libraries Committee offers opportunities for WVU to honor our community’s creative talent on campus and share it with the broader community.
A list of current and former award winners can be found at exhibits.lib.wvu.edu/awards.