Melanie Bisbach, a cross-disciplinary fine arts major at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, is turning her passion into an undergraduate research project titled, “Understanding Porcelains and Ceramic Materials.” Bisbach, a sophomore from Dodgeville, Wisconsin, is developing her own porcelain recipes. She is focusing on the chemical compositions of the individual ingredients found in the ceramic material.
“I’m studying what happens at certain temperatures to certain clay bodies,” said Bisbach. “What makes a clay body stable? What makes it a clay body plastic? How can I make pure white porcelains or what adds to the translucent nature of porcelains?”
Through the encouragement of Scott Steder, lecturer in the Department of Performing and Visual Arts, Bisbach began her research this semester after receiving the Undergraduate Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity Scholarship.
“This scholarship helped a ton, especially this year. Everything is uncertain right now and having that extra money towards my tuition – the money for the materials for my research helped. I can’t make clay without the materials,” she said. “It helped me be able to do the research I want to do. The outlining process of the project really helped me dig in and think about what I could and wanted to do, and that it was possible. It was huge for me; I was so excited.”
Along with Bisbach’s hands-on experience in the ceramics studio, she’s also using several primary sources to gain a better understanding of the subject matter. “The more sources you have the better,” she said. “Everyone is going to have a different view and if you get as many as you can then you can form your own opinion.”
“I’m gaining a new appreciation and understanding for the material that I have worked with for so long and love so much. It’s important for the artistic and scientific disciplines to come together. It’s what I hope to accomplish with my research."
According to Bisbach, the project is not only giving her a voice in the art community, but it also shows how art and STEM complement each other.
“I’m gaining a new appreciation and understanding for the material that I have worked with for so long and love so much,” said Bisbach. “It’s important for the artistic and scientific disciplines to come together. It’s what I hope to accomplish with my research. There is a lot of chemistry involved in my research, but there is the art side as well.” Bisbach is grateful for the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research. Her goal is to attend graduate school.
“I’m just getting started. I’m super excited for my work,” she said. “At the end of my research, I would like to leave behind some porcelain bodies in the studio for the other students coming in to work with; it’s really important to me.”