(From) Under the Microscope: Newest UConn Health Art Exhibit

Art in Nanochemistry Exhibit — Top: “Star Wars” depicts computer animation of the uptake of fluorescent protein nanoparticles (green objects) by cancer cells. Left: “Crystal Rose” is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of a 50 micrometer high self-assembled micro-flower made from barium carbonate and silica. Right: “‘Enzyme’ Stained Glass is an SEM eimage showing the random pattern of panes formed by lysozyme/DNA complex, with colors added to enhance the image. (Images courtesy of the Kumar Research Group)

Challa Kumar, professor of Chemistry, in his lab working with a CO2 Sequestering Machine he and some of his graduate students constructed. — Challa Kumar

The newest art exhibit on display in the lobby and mezzanine in the UConn Health main building is native to the University.

Challa Vijaya Kumar, a professor of chemistry at UConn with joint appointments in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and the Institute of Materials Science, is also an amateur water colorist. His office showcases several of his paintings.

“Art in Nanonchemistry,” an exhibit by Kumar and two of his graduate students, will be on display through Dec. 10.

About the Artists

Kumar says he’s interested in promoting the intersection of art and science. He, along with students Caterina Riccardi and Bobbi Stromer, used high-powered electron or optical microscopes to capture nature at the nano level and create images otherwise not visible to the naked eye.

Riccardi is working for a Ph.D. in chemistry, wrapping enzymes in polymers. As an undergraduate at Wheaton College, she took classes in the studio arts in addition to chemistry and Italian studies. She says she enjoys bridging the gap between art and chemistry.

Stromer, also pursing a Ph.D. in chemistry, is investigating protein chemical modification synthesis to more stable proteins for use in sensing, industrial catalysis and imaging.

The UConn Health Art Advisory Committee invites viewings from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

UConn Health’s collection of fine art serves to enhance the environment and promote the sense of a caring community for patients, visitors, staff and students. Art is selected, acquired and exhibited by the UConn Health Art Advisory Committee. To view a selection of the permanent collection visit: http://auxiliary.uchc.edu/art/exhibit.html.