SciArt Residency
Strength in Numbers
Visualizing Climate Change through Scientific Artwork & Public OutreacH
I am excited to announce that I am participating in a SciArt Residency with post doctoral research scientist, Dr. Amanda Grunwald of the Field Museum of Natural History.
Project Overview
Our current project investigates how climate change is reshaping bat populations in the Peruvian Andes, building on biodiversity surveys conducted 25 years ago in Manú National Park, one of the most biologically rich regions on Earth. Through two 45-day expeditions replicating the original surveys, we are collecting rare empirical data on long-term ecological change in montane ecosystems, which are among the most threatened by climate change.
As part of this work, Sienna will create six Numberism artworks inspired by the research, translating scientific findings and field experiences into visual storytelling. These pieces will culminate in public talks, exhibitions, and an auction to raise funds for conservation and equity initiatives.
Leading up to and during this expedition, Sienna will be pulling back from many of her regularly scheduled events in order to focus on this project.
Stay tuned for information on how to follow and support this project
Interested in pre ordering an original numberism drawing from this series? Submit an interest form below.
Dr. Amanda Grunwald:
My current work builds on biodiversity surveys conducted 25 years ago by Field Museum curator emeritus Dr. Bruce Patterson and his team, along with their exceptionally well-preserved collections from Peru’s Manú National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. By combining these historical surveys with new fieldwork, genomic, and ecological data, we are uncovering how climate change is reshaping tropical bat communities. This approach allows us to track upslope migrations, population shifts, and changes in functional diversity across an entire montane gradient. Bats are critical seed dispersers, pollinators, and insect controllers, yet long-term data on their responses to climate change remain scarce. This work seeks to identify vulnerable species, predict future community shifts, and guide conservation priorities. In collaboration with artist Sienna Cenere, the science will also be translated into public exhibitions that merge data and art, making it more accessible while powerfully illustrating how climate change is transforming our world.