The London Wildlife Trust organizes drawing events where participants can illustrate animals. These events aim to foster a connection with nature and educate the public about wildlife conservation. I had the opportunity to attend one of their drawing sessions at Camley Street Natural Park. Before drawing, I arrived at the park early to take part in the exhibition: The More You Look – outdoor exhibition. This exhibition combines nature walking and art where “The More You Look features animal artworks created at Wild Life Drawing classes over the last decade. 22 spectacular species have j ..read more

According to the signs posted at Bow Creek Ecology Park there are over 140 species of plants, animals, and insects that inhabit this bit of land in-between the urban landscape of the Docklands. Not only did I go on this walk to explore the ecology park, but I wanted to absorb and document the sights and sounds. Likewise, I wanted to map out a path for future walks in case I wanted to use this park for meditation walks. The first thought I had when entering the park is that is it nestled in-between the DLR. It amazes me that nature can exist in spaces where there is high sound pollution and se ..read more

Two of my photographs will be on display at the Knapp Gallery Regent’s University London from 8th March until 10th May 2024. To book an appointment to view please read the flyer above. Can’t attend? My photos are accessible to view on my website https://lnkd.in/dW-5MK6 My nature photography is a critical part of my PhD research, as well as a passion I’ve had for over 10+ years. I hope you can enjoy it whether you view online or visit in person.  About the Photographs on Display The two photographs on display are titled ‘Out of Focus Leaves’ and ‘Red Leaves with Rain.’ Thes ..read more

On 29th Feb 2024 I had the opportunity to present my PhD research at the Linnean Society London, focusing on my soundscape titled ‘Wind in Trees.’ Wind in Trees explores how the sound of wind hitting the trees can promote relaxation. Likewise, I pair this soundscape with photography to stimulate the senses to encourage a deeper sense of online nature emersion. During my talk, I showcased the creative process on how to make a nature soundscape, as well as provided a brief overview of meditation walks, and the benefits and outcomes of these walks. About the Linnean Society: The Linnean Society o ..read more

As a lecturer, the responsibility goes beyond imparting knowledge; it extends to ensuring the well-being of students, colleagues, and the community at large. One crucial aspect of mental health that may go undiscussed is suicide, or suicide prevention. Often, this topic is hard to put into words, and we might not know what the ‘right’ thing to say is. Recognizing the importance of this issue, I recently completed the Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA) training course, and I am compelled to encourage others to take advantage of this free resource: https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/suicide-awareness ..read more

I am thrilled to be working with Regents University London, where my academic profile is now available to view! View my profile here: Madison Miller | Regent’s University London (regents.ac.uk) I am especially excited to utilize my skills in theory and practice to assist undergraduate and postgraduate students in elevating their critical thinking abilities in the areas of media, marketing, technology, and creativity. Being a VL offers a valuable opportunity to actively contribute to the academic community, creating an environment where knowledge and practical expertise come together to enhance ..read more

In February 2024, the Mental Health Foundation will introduce the Mental Health Foundation Image Library, a collection of images depicting individuals tending to their mental well-being. I contributed photographs of mental health nature walks, a vital part of my PhD research exploring the effects of meditation walks on anxiety reduction and relaxation. Using a Canon EOS Rebel camera and the Adobe suite for edits, these images are set to become part of the library. The upcoming library is expected to be a useful resource, providing a variety of images genuinely depicting people involved in act ..read more

In the realm of academia and research, the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and scientific exploration has opened up new dimensions for scholars across various disciplines. For those delving into the captivating realm of nature soundscapes, integrating AI into their research toolkit can lead to innovative insights and creative possibilities. In this blog post, I will delve into my experiences to enhance my PhD research using AI courses and tools. The Power of AI Courses in Shaping Research Education is the foundation of progress, and in the age of AI, harnessing its potential requi ..read more

I am beyond thrilled to share the incredible news that my PhD nature soundscape blog, Core Opulence, has been selected by the esteemed panelists at Feedspot as one of the Top 10 Soundscape Music Blogs on the web for 2023. This remarkable achievement not only fills my heart with joy and gratitude but also holds a profound significance as it is an integral part of my ongoing PhD project. Core Opulence is an ever-evolving journey, deeply intertwined with my research, field recordings, and even my own mental health fluctuations. With immense excitement, I embrace this honor and extend my heartfel ..read more

This blog shares my experiences and milestones as I navigate the challenging yet rewarding path of earning my PhD. This journey isn’t just about documenting successes; it’s also about acknowledging setbacks. In early June 2023, I encountered a significant obstacle—a back injury. This unforeseen setback tested my resilience, impacting various aspects of my life, including my ability to attend university. In this blog post, I will share my journey of coping with immense pain, adapting my work routine, and finding solace in the healing power of nature. The Diagnosis: Following debilitating back ..read more