Gym Leaders - The PokéBio Team
Dr. Ximena Bernal
Professor
Biological Sciences
Purdue University
Tomas Vargas-Bernal
Class Co-Creator
Web Development & Simulations Creator
Maggie Dong
Illustrator
and Art Coordinator
The relationship between art, science, and play is intricate and dynamic, reflecting the fundamental human desire to explore and understand the world. While they may seem distinct at first glance, these three domains are interconnected and can influence and inspire each other. Here we integrate these core expressions of humanity to bring a fun experience to our community to learn about the endangered species in our area. This project has flourished into both courses and events
PokéBio Courses
PokéBio courses use Pokémon to teach students about ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. Students navigate an alternate reality, collecting data and applying biological concepts to learn about ecological and evolutionary processes. By using 3D printing technology, students bring their custom Pokémon creations to life, merging artistic expression with scientific understanding.
JM Honors College Course
Students develop group projects to delve deeper into biological phenomena within the Pokémon world, exploring connections between science and video games. ​
Their creations were displayed in the early fall semester 2023 across campus.
Eco-Trainers
Gifted Education Course
High school students (Grades 9-12th) from the Gifted Education Research and Resource Institute (GER2I) take a
two-week long course diving into the world of Pokémon, Conservation Biology, and 3D Design. This enrichment program for gifted, creative, and talented youth provides an immersive learning experience combining scientific principles with innovative technology.
As their final project, students create their own Pokémon based on endangered species from around the globe.
Representative Final Projects
Made by Erica Lai
Made by Bokyoung Joo
Made by Carmine Crow Ghost
Made by Erica Lai
PokéBio Events
As part of the PokéBio course at JM Honors College, undergraduate students created 3D printed Pokémon inspired by endangered species of the Midwest. The students designed trading cards and produced short videos to explain the connections between their Pokémon and the real-world species. These projects form the basis of various exhibitions, showcasing the students' creativity and raising awareness about endangered species in our area.
PokéBio Campus Collection Events
PokéBio Fall 2023
In Fall 2023, over 300 participants competed in the PokéBio game, racing to collect EcoStops across campus and climb the Leaderboard. The fastest trainers to scan the EcoStops won prizes, with the first 100 receiving 3D printed PokéBoiler keychains. Additionally, the top three trainers were each awarded a 3D printed PokéBoiler trophy. Every participant who finished collecting all the EcoStops was also entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a free Nintendo Switch.
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​The event was well received by the Purdue community, generating enthusiasm and appreciation for the natural world. Read about participants' experiences in our highlights section.
PokéBoiler Up - Boiler Gold Rush
This exhibit is currently displayed as a part of Boiler Gold Rush (BGR), a welcome week orientation program for all new undergraduate students at Purdue University. Expanding upon the Fall 2023 exhibit, new Boilermakers explore the campus while collecting badges and learning about Purdue's unique opportunities. PokéBio BGR motivates students to explore campus landmarks and builds community spirit by enabling residence hall teams to earn points. This project is funded by Purdue University's Fusion Studio for Entertainment and Engineering.
PokéBio Spring Fest 2024
This exhibit was displayed as a part of Spring Fest, an annual festival that provides an opportunity for community members of all ages to learn about animals, art, astronomy, and much more with lots of hands-on activities. As part of the display by the Institute for a Sustainable Future (ISF), the endangered Pokémon of the Midwest were showcased generating excitement to learn more about threatened species in the area. About 1,500 people participated in the event, engaging with the interactive displays and learning about conservation efforts.
We are grateful for the support from:
Adina Bonaccorsi Loomis (Program Coordinator for Orientation Programs, Student Success Programs), Alisha Referda (Communications Specialist, College of Science), Karan Hustedt-Warren and Lynne Dahmen (Institute for a Sustainable Future, Purdue), Allen Bol (Assistant Operations Manager, Purdue Libraries), Clarence Maybee (W. Wayne Booker Chair in Information Literacy. Libraries & School of Information Studies), Erika Kvam (Director & Head Curator, Purdue Galleries), Janice Evans (Former Department Head, Biological Sciences), Jo McGraw (Artist, 3D painting), Anna Maria (Anita) Ospina-Larrea (Artist, 3D painting), John Bowman (Facilities Administrator, Biology), Natasha Duncan (Associate Dean for Academic and International Affairs, John Martison Honors College), Rosanne Altstatt (Assistant Dean, JMHC), Roger Mahrling & his team (IT Biological Sciences, 3D printing). We are also grateful to all the building deputy managers who kindly helped us find spots for the creatures from this projects appearing across campus. Last, but no least, a big shout out to Keith Lank for building the podiums and helping with Lonny Williams and Troy Lyman to move and set up the display cases across campus.