Biology and Photography Combine to Shape Nash’s Future

While Biology and Photography might seem like contrasting and divergent academic interests, University of the Ozarks senior Kathy Nash has found a way to combine the disciplines quite harmoniously.

Nash, a senior biology major from Torrance, Calif., recently completed an ambitious independent photography project titled, "Echoes of Beauty: Capturing the Changing Ecology of New Mexico's Landscapes."

Nash's project-funded through the University's Student Enrichment Fund-was inspired by the late Carroll Rowbotham's black and white "Beauty and Awe of the West" exhibit that is permanently featured in the University's Robson Library. Rowbothan, a 1957 alumnus of Ozarks and an accomplished artist and photographer who died in 2015, captured numerous images of the New Mexico landscape in the exhibit, which he donated to the University in 2004.

Nash went to northern New Mexico for a week in December to recreate many of Rowbotham's photographs for her "Echoes of Beauty" exhibit, which will be displayed in the Mabee Administration Building later this semester.

Nash, who transferred to Ozarks from Los Angeles Harbor College as a junior, said her "Echoes of Beauty" project represented a unique opportunity to achieve several goals.

"As I near graduation, this project represents more than another academic or artistic project; it's a tangible contribution to the University of the Ozarks and future generations," Nash said. "Through the"Echoes of Beauty" project, I hope to leave behind a visual story that honors the legacy of Mr. Carroll Rowbotham and highlights my passion for ecology and conservation. This is my way of ensuring that the beauty and importance of the Western United States are not just remembered but deeply felt and understood. This project, for me, is not only about leaving something behind; it's about inspiring others to see, appreciate, and protect the natural environment that holds a special place in my, and many others' heart.

Nash was first introduced to New Mexico through a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) project last summer from the U.S. National Science Foundation. Her 10-week REU was in Sevilletta National Wildlife Refuge, where she studied a hemiparasitic plant known as Castilleja integra, or Indian paintbrush. She studied how the plant affects plant community composition across ecological gradients and whether the presence of a hemiparasite impacts the presence and abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) within plant roots.

"The photography project was particularly important to me because it allowed me to explore the natural beauty of New Mexico, where I did my REU, while also sharing my decade-long passion for photography," Nash said.

Nash said while it would seem like photography and biology are completely different fields, she has found that they work nicely together.

"My passion for photography began 10 years ago when I was 13," Nash said. "I remember using my little point-and-shoot camera to go out and take photos of people, places, and, more commonly, plants. Once I began my college career, I found that my passion for photographing nature can support and be supported by biology via encouraging myself and others to look more closely at the natural world around us."

Nash said the "Echoes of Beauty" project has helped to rekindled her passion for photography.

"Since beginning college four years ago, I have often found myself pushing photography to the back burner in order to immerse myself in my education," she said. "However, this new project allowed me the time and space to dedicate myself to photography for a full week, ultimately reconfirming my passion for photography and inspiring me to incorporate it more into my life while still furthering my education in biology."

Nash received some good news earlier this semester when she learned that had been selected to receive a prestigious post-baccalaureate position through the National Science Foundation with a professor at Oklahoma State University. At OSU, she plans to work with Dr. Noha Youssef to further her research skills and learn more about anaerobic fungi (phylum Neocallimastigomycota), environmental genomics, and freshwater algal blooms.

She plans to pursue a career combining her love for science and conservation, "in a way that is approachable to the general public."

"Specifically, I would love to be able to share my passion for fungi and their ecological significance with the general population, ultimately fostering a greater appreciation and understanding of the smaller members of ecological communities," she said.

Though she's only been at Ozarks for two years, she credits her professors for helping her take the next step to graduate school.

"My time at Ozarks honestly has flown by," Nash said. "I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderfully kind and intelligent people while also participating in unique experiences, such as going to Yellowstone for human-wildlife conflict research and to New Mexico for my photography project. Further, all of my professors have been extremely supportive and have gone above and beyond to help me succeed both during and after my time at Ozarks. Finally, my advisor and professor, Dr. Christie Sampson, has been one of the most inspiring and supportive people I have met thus far in life. All of these things combined ultimately leave me with a feeling of utmost gratitude to U of O for accepting me and supporting me over the past two years."

Topics: Biology, Photography