Chicago City Wire

The Field Museum's new exhibition, "The Changing Face of Science," features conservation ecologist Lesley de Souza and her work on freshwater ecosystems. Exhibition developer Anastasia DeMaio describes a central piece: “There is a central piece of a big canoe with a video projection from her recent expedition accompanied by atmospheric sound, netting, and a paddle. It gives that feeling that you are on the river; you are with Lesley.”

Lesley de Souza shares her experiences in the Amazon: “The first time I lifted a seine net in the Amazon, I was mesmerized by what is in rivers just below the surface,” she says. The exhibition includes specimens and images showcasing the river's biodiversity.

Visitors can explore how de Souza's personal life influenced her career, from fishing with her father to watching her son swim in the Amazon. Her story illustrates balancing motherhood with scientific research and conservation efforts.

De Souza’s work at the Field Museum’s Keller Science Action Center has contributed to creating 19 new conservation areas in the Amazon River basin. She states, “I want people to know about the conservation work that the Field Museum is doing.” This year, they aim to protect some of the largest intact forests globally.

The exhibition also highlights de Souza’s dedication to mentorship and science communication. She emphasizes, “It’s important that we don’t speak about conservation work in silos and that we strive for reaching a broader audience to bring awareness of the urgency of the biodiversity and climate crisis we all face.”

"The Changing Face of Science" launched in 2022 and initially spotlighted Lynika Strozier, a young Black scientist who died from COVID-19 in 2020. The exhibition is supported by an Institute of Museum and Library Services grant.

For interviews or more information, contact press@fieldmuseum.org.