This free, immersive exhibit gave garden visitors a bugs-eye view of the leaf surface. Throughout the conservatory, we installed oversized "magnifying glasses," each highlighting microscopic features of the plant behind it. Accompanying panels provided more info about the tiny features that plant use for defense, nutrient acquisition, and more. 

 

I designed, researched, and implemented this project in collaboration with Matthaei Botanical Gardens and the Weber and Vasconcelos labs in UM EEB. I also hosted two "Wonder Walk" tours through the exhibit, gave a members-only lecture, and ran several hands-on microscope activities geared toward younger visitors. Over its three-month run, Leaves under the Lens was visited by an estimated 20,000 people, including multiple elementary and middle school classes.