2023 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Tania Kac

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

My final Visual Communication for Sustainability class project entailed selecting a climate “solution” from Project Drawdown and creating an infographic exploring the topic. A minimum of six data visualizations were required showing quantitative and qualitative data. The research for the project involved collecting, curating, and interpreting scientific papers and reports to develop a compelling story dispelling myths and presenting a positive side to the climate solution of our choice.

I wanted to explore “Grassland Protection” under “Land Sinks.” Grasslands are some of Earth's most biologically diverse biomes, powerhouses of carbon storage underground, and very resilient to rising temperatures. There is a misconception that grasslands are just empty landscapes. I wanted to make a case for protecting grasslands from conversion to agriculture and urban development, sustainable management using integration methods, and restoration of damaged ecosystems. This strategy aims to reduce 3.35-4.25 Gigatons of Co2e reduced/sequestered worldwide by 2050.

The audience for this infographic is a Midwestern landscape farmer in the United States who may be skeptical of adopting sustainable practices or participating in carbon markets. I want to raise awareness among farmers that they can play a huge role in capturing carbon from the atmosphere and help them realize the benefits of grasslands in their farms. They can feel inspired to be the heroes in this sustainability story. Moreover, it is not an all-or-nothing proposition. Partial soil conversion from cropland to prairies is a compromise that can work. Integration methods, such as Iowa State University’s Prairie STRIPS (Science-based Trials of Rowcrops Integrated with Prairie Strips), are good examples.

What made you choose to come to MCAD for your MA?

I wanted to come to this program at MCAD in 2006, but life had other plans for me. Then, the pandemic reminded me that life is too short and there's no better time to pursue a long-life dream than the present.

Favorite thing about the program (so far)?

The class content discussions with my classmates are always fun and informative. There's so much I learn from their perspectives.

What is the MCAD online learning experience like?

The asynchronous nature of classes works for me. I try to maximize my time by listening to ebooks, audiobooks, PDFs, and TTS as much as I can.

What inspires you?

Books (and audiobooks)! I've become an avid reader since I started the program because of the volume of content. There are so many rabbit holes and interesting people and things to discover all the time. It also helps that I work at the Des Moines Public Library.

Do you have a favorite piece you've made? Describe it!

The infographic that I submitted: Harness the Power of Soil Carbon: Protect the Legacy of Your Midwest Farm with Grasslands (Prairies)

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment?

Yes! Grasslands/Prairies/native plants, the rewinding movement, maps, data viz.

What's your favorite time management tip?

Meal Prep on Sundays.