Every year, creative grad students from across the disciplines submit compelling images of their research and scholarship to the Image of Research competition. To accompany each image submission, the creator writes a short paragraph explaining how the image relates to their wider academic work, giving us a glimpse behind the scenes.
We caught up with some of the award winners from the 2024 Image of Research competition to ask them more about their process. Enjoy this interview with Rishyashring Raman Iyer, a graduate student in Electrical and Computer Engineering and 3rd place winner in this year’s contest, and then view the video to hear Iyer read his award-winning submission, "Biological Rhapsody: Is this the label-free microscopic life? Is this just an Andy Warhol piece?"
Why did you enter Image of Research this year?
Oftentimes, the human aspect of research is neglected for a fallacious argument for objectivity. Combining science communication with raw human expression, the arts, is as fascinating as it is impactful. As a researcher, I consider it my duty to shout out my research from the rooftops if it will help people understand and appreciate it. Also, as a researcher in microscopy, my entire work revolves around visualizing things in unprecedented ways. I won't miss an opportunity like this where I can talk about my work and my outlook toward it through a visual medium.
What was the process of coming up with your image?
When most people look at biological samples like tissues and cells, they only see pink blobby things for the most part. Through my work, I have the privilege to look at biological samples in color at a microscopic scale. It constantly reinforces the dynamic and fleeting nature of life and makes me appreciate the inherent beauty in things. This is how I imagined artists feel when they have that spark of idea in their minds that makes them cherish our world in unique ways. Once I captured and processed this image, the colors and hues immediately reminded me of the time I was captivated by Andy Warhol's work when I visited the Art Institute in Chicago. I only had to add a few annotations, write up the description, get the blessings and approvals of my colleagues and advisor in this project, and submit.
What did you learn or take away from this experience?
Seeing people appreciate the expression of research from various disciplines through art makes me feel positive. As an amateur painter, it has given me more ideas for further pieces that I want to try for fun that will incorporate elements of my science and research into various styles of painters and visual artists.
This interview was conducted by Brandon Stauffer, Videographer here at the Graduate College. Brandon came to the Graduate College with a background in journalism and is now working to showcase the impact of Higher Education at Illinois.
