InterConnected: A One Health Exploration exhibit opened at the Georgia Southern Museum on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. The One Health exhibit is a powerful demonstration of the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health.
It emerged from a collaboration between the museum and the Institute of Health Logistics and Analytics, aiming to raise awareness about the intricate relationships that shape public health. By merging science with engaging storytelling, the exhibit allows visitors to understand the broader implications of their everyday actions on the world around them.
Dr. Brent Tharp, the museum director, highlighted the exhibit’s unique approach to bridging history, culture, and science. The goal is to encourage visitors to recognize the historical and contemporary significance of One Health while also inviting them to engage with the topic through interactive displays.
The exhibit features a range of elements designed for diverse audiences, from public health professionals seeking in-depth information to young children exploring hands-on activities. One of the key highlights is the interactive sea turtle nest and fishing pond, which allow visitors to investigate the role of wildlife in environmental and human health.
The exhibit is the result of a long-standing collaboration between the museum and senior design students at Georgia Southern University. Students compete to create a winning exhibit design that aligns with the museum’s mission each year. This experience gives students real-world exposure to curating, designing, and adapting exhibits while working within strict budget and space constraints.
Professors Ed Rushton and Mark Moulton guided this year’s teams, whose contributions ultimately shaped the final product. Dr. Jessica Schwind from the Institute for Health Logistics and Analytics emphasized the necessity of recognizing the deep connections between human decisions and their impact on animals, plants, and ecosystems.
Tracing its roots back to ancient civilizations, the One Health concept has evolved significantly, gaining recognition from global organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Today, it is a guiding principle for addressing complex health challenges by fostering collaboration between multiple disciplines.
Dr. Schwind also highlighted other ongoing One Health projects at Georgia Southern, including an outbreak exhibit displayed at campus libraries. These initiatives aim to promote awareness and encourage students, faculty, and the community to engage in discussions on public health challenges. She expressed optimism for future collaborations between the museum and the university to continue advancing the mission of One Health.
Dr. Brent Tharp reinforced the importance of fostering connections that visitors may not always consider daily. The exhibit offers a thought-provoking yet visually captivating experience, encouraging individuals to reflect on their roles in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. A notable exhibit feature is the One Health Pledge Tree, where visitors can commit to making small changes that contribute to a healthier world.
Dr. David Bruce Conn, PhD, the keynote speaker for the exhibit opening event and a representative from Berry College’s One Health Center, praised the exhibit for its comprehensive coverage of various aspects of One Health, including vector-borne diseases, antibiotic resistance, and the impact of animal agriculture on public health.
He emphasized the real-world applications of One Health principles, such as controlling mosquito populations to mitigate the spread of disease and advising farmers on responsible pesticide and antibiotic use.
According to Dr. Conn, one of the biggest challenges in integrating human, animal, and environmental health is the fragmentation between different sectors. Medical professionals, veterinarians, and environmental scientists often work in isolation, making cross-disciplinary collaboration a critical area for improvement.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark reminder of the interconnected nature of health crises. By embracing a One Health approach, society can be better prepared to handle future outbreaks and minimize their impact.
Through this exhibit, the Georgia Southern Museum successfully brings these complex topics to life, offering an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all backgrounds. By fostering awareness and encouraging action, the exhibit serves as a powerful reminder that the health of humans, animals, and the environment is intrinsically linked.
The success of this project was also made possible through the efforts of the students in the class: Bailey Marlow, Akiria Graham, Camdyn Collins, Kamila Gonzalez, Chantel Bailey, Jake Ittel, Ti’onna Hodges, Lana Brandford, Haylie Hawkins, and Mila Balboa, who contributed to the research and execution of the exhibit.
Their work helped bring the One Health vision to life, ensuring the message reaches and resonates with the community.
InterConnected is open to the public at the Georgia Southern Museum, 2142 Southern Drive in the Rosenwald Building #0104 on the Georgia Southern Campus in Statesboro, GA. The museum is open Tuesday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.