Semi-finalist 2025
| Submitted by: | Chathuranga De Silva |
| Department: | Agricultural, Food + Nutritional Science |
| Faculty: | Agricultural, Life + Environmental Sciences |
This image captures the balance between dedication and nature’s beauty, showing both the challenges and rewards of field research. The setting sun over the grassland mirrors the natural cycles I study—how grassland management affects the nitrogen cycle and how these findings can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by optimizing nutrient flows and improving soil health. In this quiet yet powerful moment, I feel a deep connection between my research and the landscape, reminding me of the importance of understanding climate change and promoting sustainable land use—this is why we do what we do.
Was your image created using Generative AI?
No.
How was your image created?
This image was captured using the 0.5x wide-angle lens on my iPhone at the end of a long day of fieldwork. My team and I were walking back after an exhausting 14+ hour shift when I noticed the way the fading sunlight framed us against the vast Albertan prairies. It was taken in natural lighting at sunset, emphasizing the warm, golden tones that highlight the grassland landscape. The composition was carefully framed to include the researchers, vegetation, and the vast, open sky, creating a sense of scale and immersion in the environment. Minor post-processing adjustments were made using Adobe Lightroom to enhance the natural colors and contrast, ensuring the image accurately conveys the atmosphere of the moment.
Where is the image located?
Mattheis Research Ranch, Alberta.