Nalini Nadkarni: Life science in prison

TL;DR

Trees are not as static as they seem, as their twigs and branches constantly move and grow, inspiring the exploration of movement in other static entities like prisons.

Transcript

Trees epitomize stasis. Trees are rooted in the ground in one place for many human generations, but if we shift our perspective from the trunk to the twigs, trees become very dynamic entities, moving and growing. And I decided to explore this movement by turning trees into artists. I simply tied the end of a paintbrush onto a twig. I waited for the... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌳 Trees are not just static entities, but rather extremely dynamic. By shifting our perspective from the trunk to the twigs, we can see their movement and growth.
• 🎨 Different tree species have different "signatures" in their artwork, just like different artists (e.g. Picasso vs Monet). The wind and twigs become the artists, creating unique paintings.
• 🌍 A single vine maple tree can move 186,540 miles in a year, equivalent to seven times around the globe. This highlights the immense dynamicism of trees.
• 🔒 The prison system in the United States is stuck and in need of change. Over 2.3 million people are incarcerated, with high rates of recidivism due to lack of education and rehabilitation programs.
• 🌿 Bringing science, sustainability, and conservation projects to prisons can create movement and change within the system, giving incarcerated individuals an alternative to traditional activities like watching TV or weightlifting.
• 🐸 Programs in prisons that involve growing endangered plants and raising endangered frogs for restoration projects bring movement and purpose to the inmates' lives.
• 🖼️ Visual images of nature in the form of photographs or paintings can be introduced into the exercise yards of Supermax facilities, providing inmates with contact with nature and potentially promoting serenity and reducing violence.
• 🌟 Small, collective movements of change within the prison system can bring hope and transform static entities within ourselves, such as grief, addiction, and racism, showing that change is possible.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the speaker measure the distance a single vine maple tree moved in a year?

To measure the distance, the speaker measured and summed the lines created by the tree's movement, multiplied them by the number of twigs per branch and branches per tree, and divided it by the number of minutes in a year. This calculation revealed that a single tree moved around 186,540 miles in a year.

Q: What is the current state of the prison system in the United States?

The prison system in the US has over 2.3 million incarcerated individuals, with that number continuing to rise. Furthermore, 60 out of every 100 released prisoners end up returning to prison due to a lack of funds for education, training, and rehabilitation.

Q: How did the partnership with the Washington State Department of Corrections bring movement and change to prisons?

The partnership introduced science lectures and conservation projects to four state prisons, giving incarcerated individuals the opportunity to engage in educational activities instead of watching TV or exercising. They also worked on growing endangered plants and animals, such as prairie plants and Oregon spotted frogs, in prisons.

Q: How are visual images of nature being brought into Supermax facilities to benefit inmates?

In Supermax facilities where inmates are kept in solitary confinement for long periods, images of nature are placed on the walls of their exercise yards. This contact with visual images of nature aims to promote serenity, calmness, and reduced violence among inmates. Inmates, like Mr. Lopez, are even asked for input on the types of images that would have a positive impact on their mental state.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Trees may seem static, but their twigs and branches are constantly in motion, turning them into dynamic entities.

• By tying paintbrushes to twigs and letting the wind create art, different tree species showcase unique signatures.

• The movement of trees inspired the exploration of applying this lesson to our static prison system, bringing science, sustainability, and growth to incarcerated individuals.