Seaweed Solution

Cindie Kehlet

Faculty Success

Professor, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences; AquaSteady Research Hub Lead in the Center for Environmental Research

Two women are engaged in a hands-on experiment in a well-lit workshop environment. One woman, wearing glasses and a dark sweater, watches intently while the other, in a pink blouse, uses an orange tool to manipulate a transparent sheet on a table. In the foreground, glass containers are visible, indicating a scientific setup. The background features shelves with multiple trays.
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“It would be wonderful if something from the ocean could help the land.”

A hand holds a transparent, bubble-like material, with the background showing a farm with rows of green plants under a clear sky. A greenhouse is visible in the distance. The lighting indicates it's either early morning or late afternoon.
Photo by Ameera Albalawi and Matilda Marsh

That’s how Cindie Kehlet, a Pratt professor and AquaSteady Research Hub Lead in the Center for Environmental Research, describes the potential of AquaSteady, a seaweed-based hydrogel that has the ability to retain large amounts of water and release it slowly over time.

With funding from the National Science Foundation, Cindie is studying how AquaSteady can keep soil hydrated during extended periods of drought by capturing water from rainfall or irrigation. Her hope is that the material could dramatically improve water management in agriculture, helping to mitigate the impact of  climate change on food security. 

Cindie’s background as both a dedicated researcher and studio-trained fine artist makes her a natural leader for the AquaSteady effort. “Pratt is a place that marries creativity with professional practice; we maintain a focus on the practical and social benefits of our research,” she explains. “The AquaSteady initiative demonstrates the positive impact of interdisciplinary partnerships that bring together scientists, designers, and farmers to develop nature-based solutions to an urgent problem.”

“Projects like these can’t happen without funding,” notes Cindie. “Donor generosity shows the world how Pratt is a place that shapes essential solutions for our planet’s future needs.”

A group of four people stands in a garden setting, examining a young plant held by one individual. The people appear engaged in conversation about the plant, with expressions of curiosity and contemplation. Behind them, a greenhouse is visible, and various plants are seen growing in the foreground. A propane tank can be seen to the right. The scene suggests a learning or farming activity.
The AquaSteady team discussing planting at Early Girl Farm, Brookhaven, NY, photo by Ameera Albalawi and Matilda Marsh

Part of Pratt’s reputation comes from an emphasis on having established practitioners serve as faculty members.

Byron Lars, Jane B. Nord Professor of Fashion Design
A smiling man with a beard and glasses sits at a table, wearing a black shirt and a patterned bandana. His hands are placed in front of him, and he appears cheerful. Behind him are sewing machines and a window with greenery visible outside.

Pratt is a dynamic catalyst for the interdisciplinary innovations that the IDC Foundation supports and that fuel the Research Yard’s continued evolution, momentum, and leadership.

Raymond Savino, President, IDC Foundation
A woman and a man stand smiling closely together in a brightly lit exhibition space. The woman has short, platinum blonde hair and wears a white jacket, while the man has gray hair and is dressed in a light-colored blazer over a green shirt. Both are wearing yellow buttons on their clothing. In the background, there are display boards and people engaged in conversation.

World Makers will provide resources to support additional fellowship opportunities and hands-on workshops that enable faculty members to forge radically creative solutions.

Judit Török, Director of the Institute’s Center for Teaching and Learning
A woman in a dark blazer and colorful scarf smiles while holding an open book in a library. She has shoulder-length dark hair with some gray and appears to be enjoying the book, surrounded by shelves filled with various books in the background.

With this endowed professorship, I am pleased that my valuable experience at Pratt and my commitment to art education offers new opportunities to emerging academic leaders in the field.

Jane Nord, Art and Design Certificate ’45; Former Professor

Endowing Excellence

Jane B. Nord Professor of Fashion Design Byron Lars brings his years of professional experience to the classroom.

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Funding Innovation

IDC Foundation President Raymond Savino speaks to the interdisciplinary innovations happening at Pratt’s Research Yard.

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Makers and Shakers

Judit Török, director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, looks to enable “faculty members to forge radically creative solutions.”

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