Clouds: A Discussion at the Intersection of Art, Science, and Engineering
Throughout human history, clouds have occupied a unique place at the crossroads of observation, imagination, and inquiry. From ancient sky-gazers to modern meteorologists and engineers, our engagement with clouds and the perpetual motion of the atmosphere reveals both a desire to interpret the world visually and a need to understand its physical processes. The panel will explore perspectives at the intersection of art, science, and engineering: What is the role of clouds and the turbulent atmosphere in art, science, and…
when
September 25, 2025 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
where
245 Glenbrook Rd
Storrs,
CT
06269
United States
cost
Free
about
Throughout human history, clouds have occupied a unique place at the crossroads of observation, imagination, and inquiry. From ancient sky-gazers to modern meteorologists and engineers, our engagement with clouds and the perpetual motion of the atmosphere reveals both a desire to interpret the world visually and a need to understand its physical processes.
The panel will explore perspectives at the intersection of art, science, and engineering: What is the role of clouds and the turbulent atmosphere in art, science, and engineering? Clouds are always transient: How do we observe, analyze, and understand ephemerality? Clouds and their role in environmental change, from extreme weather to climate change impacts: what are opportunities and challenges in visual communication and public engagement? The panel is held in conjunction with the exhibition Clouds: A Collaboration with Fluid Dynamics.
FREE. Everyone is welcome.
RSVP appreciated.
PANELISTS
Ann Fridlind is a Physical Scientist at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies. Dr. Fridlind’s studies have concentrated at the intersection of detailed models and rich observational data sets to advance understanding of the clouds that are most relevant to Earth’s climate. She has used a wide array of airborne in situ and ground-based and satellite remote-sensing data to study stratiform clouds from Arctic to Antarctic, tropical to mid-latitude deep convection, mid-latitude continental cumulus and synoptic cirrus, and subtropical stratocumulus. She is also a developer of cloud microphysics schemes in computational codes, such as NASA’s ModelE3 climate model.
Helen Glazer is a visual artist whose work bridges photography and three‑dimensional sculpture. Helen ‘s photography and sculpture made from 3D scans are profoundly influenced by scientific insights into the physical forces that shape ecological environments, including human activity. A 2015 participant in the National Science Foundation Antarctic Artists and Writers Program, her solo show of that project, “Walking in Antarctica” is currently touring US museums and galleries. She is working on a photographic landscape history of Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, focused on the impacts of a US Cold War air base and climate change.
Miad Yazdani is a principal fellow at RTRC. Dr. Yazdani is responsible for leading strategic initiatives and defining technology roadmaps particularly pertinent to interfacial physics to ensure RTX’s competitive advantage in key technological areas is preserved and expanded while having impact to business units’ near-term and long-term technological objectives and requirements.
Moderated by George Matheou, Associate Professor in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Manufacturing Engineering. Dr. Matheou’s research focuses on computational fluid dynamics, leveraging theory, advanced algorithms, and data to study complex multi-physics fluid flows, with applications in weather forecasting and climate. Dr. Matheou is recognized for his innovative approaches to research and education, including integrating artistic expression to engage students.