Cover Concept and Art: Naomi Raicu
In this piece, I explored the neural network concept by connecting it to artistic and emotional aspects of the human experience: music, group dance, and a sense of community and interconnectedness. In the real world, a cognitive “dance” of changing neural connections not only determines who we are, but also inspires innovation in science and technology.
I believe that the thread of science is inextricably woven into the human experience as we are fundamentally curious beings. As such, science is riddled with emotion, surprises, mistakes – things that make us human. I created this ink and watercolor piece by hand in a stylized, comic-inspired art style to infuse the human elements of imperfection and individuality into the scientific neural network concept. In designing a cover that holds together the work of highly talented scientist-artists, I hope to have conveyed the excitement and childlike wonder to be found in our pursuit of discovery.
Naomi is a rising second-year Applied Physics PhD student at UM, where she is pursuing theoretical projects in network science. Alongside her love for mathematics and understanding physical phenomena, she enjoys making music and doodling on any blank surface she can find.
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