Coastal culture

Editor's note: Every year, hundreds of undergraduates at the University of Delaware pursue research under the guidance of a faculty mentor, especially during the summer months. Such experiences provided by UD - a nationally recognized research university - can be life-changing, introducing young scholars to a new field, perhaps even the path to a future career, as they uncover new knowledge. These spotlights offer a glimpse into their world.

University of Delaware senior Meredith Lockwood first learned the art of collecting and arranging shells from her mother. As a child, her mom would take Lockwood and her sisters to the beach to make seashell wreaths. This early experience is a cherished memory for Lockwood, bringing back the warmth of her childhood growing up in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

This summer, the UD art major is creating a series of shell mosaic panels that reflect coastal culture and sustainability as part of her undergraduate summer research project. Using locally sourced shells and eco-friendly materials, she is exploring how art can embody the rhythms of the ocean and the communities shaped by it, under the guidance of Aaron Terry, assistant professor of art and design. Her process unfolds along the Delaware coast and in her home studio - spaces she says are "filled with light, sand and the scent of salt air."

Q: Why did you want to pursue this - what intrigues you about the topic?

Lockwood: When I was younger, my mom would take my sisters and me down to the beach to make seashell wreaths. We'd dig circles in the sand, carefully arrange shells and pour plaster of Paris to set them in place. One of those wreaths still lives on my windowsill today - a small but powerful reminder of those childhood memories and of how deeply the beach shaped me.

Growing up with the ocean as my safe space, it became more than just a place - it was a teacher, a muse and a sanctuary. This project feels like a continuation of that relationship. By working with natural materials, I'm not only creating art but also sharing a message about our connection to the environment and the importance of honoring it.

Q: Why does research like this matter?

Lockwood: Working with natural materials has taught me the value of slowing down, creating with intention and establishing rhythms that feel like rituals - collecting, sorting, arranging and refining. These habits aren't just foundational for the work itself; they're practices for a more grounded, sustainable way of living and creating. It's a reminder that even small, consistent actions - like the placement of a single shell - can ripple outward in meaningful ways.