The Art of Science

This past fall, one of my photographs from research in St. John won third place recognition in the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Art of Science competition. Each year, the competition is held across STEM disciplines throughout the university to highlight the role of art in fostering creative thinking in the sciences, as well as the close links between scientists and artists.

The image that was awarded recognition (pictured here) was taken in 2023, as part of my MS work in St. John U.S. Virgin Islands. I was exploring the link between fragmentation of coral habitat and the biodiversity that habitat is able to support. This involved extensive study and identification of various coral and other invertebrate species. In order to accurately identify corals to species, I would take close-up images of their skeletal structure, studying the images in the evenings and consulting literature and other experts. The coral skeleton is a mesmerizing structure, illustrating the intricate animal that builds it.

The Art of Science offered me the opportunity to learn from other scientists using art to communicate their work, speak to the public about my research, and engage with the incredible communities working at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and UCSB Library exhibition teams.

(L): The community gallery of the Santa Barbara Art Museum, featuring works from the competition. Dive Buddy located furthest to the right.

(R): The UCSB Library exhibit, featuring works from the competition