UROP Project
Seeking Answers Beyond AI: Exploring Nature Through Symbol-Making
Nature, Symbol-Making，Knowledge Generation Beyond Ai, Creativity
Research Mentor: Siyu Siyu Zhang, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: art education, Fine Arts
Contact Email: sz23h@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: art education, Fine Arts
Contact Email: sz23h@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 1-3hours, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 1-3hours, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
In the age of artificial intelligence, answers to questions are increasingly available with a simple prompt. However, human beings have long sought understanding through observation, creativity, and engagement with the natural world. This project explores whether new knowledge and insights can emerge through nature observation and artistic inquiry rather than through immediate access to information.Students will begin by identifying a personal question related to their lives, interests, or experiences. Through guided hikes and nature observation, they will document natural forms, patterns, and shapes through photography. Inspired by the ways ancient civilizations developed symbolic systems and pictographic writing from their observations of the world around them, students will create original symbols based on forms discovered in nature.
Throughout the project, students will develop a personal visual dictionary, assigning meanings to their symbols and using them as the foundation for artistic exploration. Through drawing, mixed-media experimentation, photography, and other creative approaches, students will investigate how observation, symbol-making, and artmaking can support reflection and meaning-making.
Students will meet with the mentor every two weeks to share ideas, discuss observations, and reflect on their creative processes. No advanced artistic skills are required. The project welcomes students from all academic backgrounds who are interested in creativity, nature, visual thinking, and exploring alternative ways of generating knowledge.
By the end of the project, students will develop a personal visual dictionary inspired by forms and patterns found in nature. Using these self-created symbols, they will produce an original artwork that responds to a personal question or area of inquiry. Students will also document their creative process through reflection and share their findings at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
This project asks a timely question: When answers are instantly accessible through AI, what kinds of understanding can emerge throughartistic inquiry in nature?
Research Tasks: Conduct a literature review on creativity, nature-based learning, symbol systems, and knowledge generation in the age of AI
Participate in guided nature observations and hiking activities
Collect visual data through photography and field documentation
Create and refine original symbols inspired by natural forms and patterns
Develop and maintain a personal visual dictionary
Experiment with simple creative responses using drawing, collage, photography, or other accessible art forms
Maintain brief written and visual reflections throughout the project
Participate in group discussions and idea-sharing sessions
Explore how observation, creativity, and reflection can support new ways of generating knowledge
Assist with the development of a research poster for the Undergraduate Research Symposium
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required:
Interest in nature, hiking, and outdoor exploration
Curiosity and openness toward creative exploration
Willingness to bring a current question, challenge, or uncertainty from one’s life or learning into the project
Willingness to participate in observation, reflection, and group discussions
Recommended:
Interest in art, photography, visual storytelling, or personal expression
Openness to exploring questions related to everyday life, learning, or personal experiences
Comfort with trying new ideas and engaging in creative activities
No prior art experience is required
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring approach is rooted in creating a supportive and collaborative learning environment where students feel comfortable exploring ideas, taking creative risks, and learning through both success and challenge. I value each student's unique background and encourage them to draw from their own lived experiences as meaningful sources of knowledge and inquiry.In this project, I emphasize process over perfection, guiding students to develop their ideas through exploration, reflection, and dialogue. I meet regularly with students to provide feedback, ask questions, and support their growth, while also encouraging them to take ownership of their creative and research work.
I aim to build a relationship based on mutual respect, open communication, and trust. Students are encouraged to share their thoughts, experiment with materials, and connect personal experiences with broader social and cultural themes. Through this process, they not only develop creative skills but also gain confidence in their ability to think critically and express themselves.
Ultimately, my goal is to support students in discovering their own voice and understanding how creative practices can be used as a form of inquiry and reflection.
Additional Information
This project is ideal for students who enjoy spending time in nature, are curious about creativity and meaning-making, and are interested in exploring questions that may not have simple answers. Rather than seeking immediate answers through AI, participants will experiment with observation, symbol-making, and creative inquiry as alternative ways of generating understanding.No prior experience in art, research, or symbol-making is required. Curiosity, openness, and a willingness to explore are valued!