Written by Kate Giffin and Kristen Schuh
Dear Readers,
In this edition of EquilibriUM, we delve into the intricate ways that science and art connect and enhance each other.
In a world that often compartmentalizes disciplines, it is necessary to bridge these gaps to discover fresh perspectives, foster innovation, and enrich our collective knowledge. Both of us work in interdisciplinary fields studying how the brain and body interact in sometimes strange and nonsensical ways – connections are one of our favorite parts about research.
The natural world consists of an interweaving web of processes and systems. Understanding these connections can propel scientific discovery and lead to breakthroughs in how we understand the world around us. Beyond the research topics themselves, the work of research is driven by connections between people: within individual labs, between labs, even across fields, institutions, and continents. Research simply cannot happen without connections.
Similarly, good art is often all about connections. The connection between artist and audience, between colors and textures, between artistic styles and genres, between seemingly unrelated ideas, images, or emotions. This is why we chose the theme “Connections”: we wanted people’s imaginations to run wild. We wanted to highlight the ways science does (and doesn’t) mirror art, and vice versa.
And our artists and authors blew us out of the water. We learned about unexpected, delightful, and tragic connections. We learned about the ways scientific topics show up in everyday life and might even change lives in the future.
When science and art combine, it is truly remarkable. Science can illuminate and magnify the unseen world, inspiring artistic expression. Art can elucidate science, making complex concepts tangible and engaging. Together, they can challenge our perspectives and drive progress in ways that neither could achieve alone.
Finally, we are tremendously proud of the way EquilibriUM has forged connections between people on this wide, wide campus. With the hard work of 5 editors, 7 illustrators, 8 contributors, 2 editors-in-chief, and 1 layout designer across 12 departments/programs, we have created a community and a collection of art that highlights all of the fantastically surprising connections between science, art, and life. From the smallest components of cells to the evolution of life, each piece in this edition highlights the transformative potential of interdisciplinary connections.
As you read this edition of EquilibriUM, we hope you are inspired to reach beyond the boundaries of your everyday life and embrace the connections around you.
Warm regards,
Kate Giffin and Kristen Schuh
Editors-in-Chief
Kristen Schuh [left] is a PhD candidate in Biopsychology, unraveling the effects of hormonal contraceptives on the stress response and mood. When she’s not dissecting data or advocating for women’s health, you can catch her painting pet portraits, kicking it on the kickball field, or trying to improve her amateur soccer skills.
Kate Giffin [right] is a poet, mandolinist, and professional nerd (PhD candidate in Neuroscience). In the lab, she studies how severe infections can lead to long-term brain issues like dementia. She is passionate about telling scientific stories through unexpected genres, particularly poetry, to expand the way people think about science and the world. When Kate is not marveling at the brain, she is probably outside marveling at some strange plant.
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