Venture Café ITMAT Event
Thur 7/25/24, 4-5pm
Venture Café, 3675 Market St, 3rd fl
Innovating Science through Art: ITMAT Art-Science Residency
UPenn Institute for Translational Medicine & Therapeutics - Art-Science Residency
Recording of this public critique of the undergraduate interns in the TRIP program sharing the science & passion in their inaugural ceramic art. They shine light on the research, healing and community inspiration of their Shields.
Experience firsthand how these clay shields act as conversation starters, breaking down scientific jargon and making complex ideas more relatable. Don’t miss this opportunity to see how art can enhance scientific communication, providing a new lens through which to view research.
This special afternoon illuminates science & art, fostering a deeper connection between researchers and the community. The ITMAT Translational Research Immersion Program (TRIP) provides a 10-week summer mentored research experience to undergraduates at participating institutions. Students and their mentors have an opportunity to create ceramic Shields giving visual voice to their research and serve as a reflection of their identity as a human and their role within their communities. This process will be guided by the ITMAT Artist in Residence, Marguerita Hagan and Dr. Carsten Skarke, ITMAT Artist in Residence Program Founder.
Science communication through artwork is an opportunity for researchers to engage authentically, efficiently, and eloquently with community stakeholders. The artwork will take on the form of a Shield, a concept frequently used by the artist to convey protection. Shields also honor lineage like a family crest, where in the context of TRIP, lineage could be understood as the culmination of research, personal, and community experience in the crest as the art piece to catalyze science community engagement. During the presentation, the students will share with the audience their research and sculpture process, and how both have been influenced by their personal experience as well as their community ties. This environment will provide stakeholders an opportunity to participate in meaningful dialogue around scientific research and the impact on communities.
The ceramic-science art will culminate in an installation shining light on the healing discoveries and interdependent connections uncovered during the program in the final exhibit in Spring 2025 curated by Marguerita Hagan.
Watch event recording: