'Waterlust' whets appetite of Florida outdoor writers
University of Miami (UM) Applied Marine Physics graduate student and creator/director of Waterlust, Patrick Rynne is a 2013 recipient of the Florida Outdoor Writers Association (FOWA) Scholarship for Outdoor Communicators. Waterlust, a student run project aimed at bringing marine science, art and sport together through online film and photography, explores how people relate to water for recreation, scientific research and creative inspiration. Together with UM Marine Affairs & Policy graduate student Fiona Graham and alumnus Jennah Caster, Rynne produces short films and instructional videos that have drawn hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube.
"Science does not have to be so confined," says Rynne. "The rigidity that embodies the scientific process, although important to ensuring quality results, also stifles creativity and the innate human desire for self-expression. If we can empower scientists to tell their stories and communicate their work in ways that appeal to the general public, then everybody wins. The science gets more attention, the public is inspired, and the scientists are able to use a blank canvas on which they can—and should—draw outside the lines."
So far Waterlust has produced 18 videos on a broad range of topics that include surfing in Cuba, the Coriolis effect, rip current safety, and shark conservation. By utilizing popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, they are creating an ever-growing audience of water lovers. All of their video work is shot entirely with point-and-shoot GoPro Hero cameras, an approach meant to show people that they can make something beautiful without expensive equipment.
"Patrick has established his own funding resources, recruited other members of the scientific community to participate, and coordinates a multitude of projects all over the world," said UM Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science Professor and Faculty Adviser Ad Reniers. "It is his drive to innovate and his ability to communicate and manage resources that suggest to me that Patrick will continue to contribute great things throughout his career."
Devan Coffaro, a junior at the University of Central Florida Nicholson School of Communication also won a FOWA scholarship for her work. The two winners were selected from among a record 25 entries for this year's scholarship competition.
Provided by University of Miami
