A Perspective: Genetics and Art

Picture yourself in a situation that most college students have experienced: an acquaintance asks you “how’s school going?” You say “good”, the answer you are expected to give. The follow up: “What are you studying?”

There’s no ambiguity for me. I study biology and studio art. I jump between the genetics lab and drawing studio. My backpack always contains safety googles, a graphing calculator, a black chisel tip copic marker, and some jeweler’s saw blades. I am greeted by the humming sounds of thermocyclers and the gentle sweep of brushes. 

"Purebred Show Worm" presented at the 2017 Worm Art Show

Yet, this answer hardly ever satisfies distant friends and the strangers at the grocery store. I am often prodded to say which I am more of – a scientist or an artist. People are quick to point out the perceived differences in my disciplines; the meticulous, exacting nature of science and the vibrant, liberating nature of art. Asking me to “pick one” is impossible. Both science and art are intrinsically a part of my identity, the way I think, and how I express myself.

Moreover, I disagree with the exaggerated differences between science and art. I don’t turn off my science mindset when I start a painting, and I don’t block out my artist’s eye when I perform a ligation. The epistemology of both is remarkably similar. Science and art both ask me to observe the world around me, ask questions, try new approaches to problems, and express my observations in a way that is understandable, novel, and valuable. Science has made me think more independently, appreciate technical training, and think forwards and backwards about any process. Art has made me observant, creative, and persistent. Studying science and art has made me a stronger student across disciplines.

Some of my most cherished and unique experiences have combined science and art. In the past year alone, I created and displayed a drawing at the Worm Art Show (at the 2017 International C. elegans Conference at UCLA), and hand-drew figures for a scientific article (more information to come upon publishing). Even my hand-sewn toys have picked up some science; The Mitochondria Plushie is one of my best sellers (www.FreshCrayonsArt.etsy.com).  Beyond this, I question if I would have followed the same path if not for my experience in both studies. 

I find myself today, in the middle of a busy medical school application season, trying to communicate to the world at large why I would be a good doctor. I have heard people debate the relevancy of artistic hobbies in the world of healthcare. To me, there is no doubt that my experience in art better prepares me for medicine. Art has made my approach to healthcare humanistic, creative, and hands-on. I hope to bring a fresh, integrative perspective to medicine. Likewise, I hope to bring science and health into my art. Since both are part of my life, they must grow and evolve together.

At the end of the day, I don’t plan on giving up either art or science. Well-meaning friends-of-friends will just have to accept that. To the students out there, I encourage you to take classes outside of your comfort zone, and integrate that interdisciplinary knowledge into a holistic world view.  To the scientists who happen to also be artists, and the artists who happen to also be scientists, be proud of your multifaceted experiences and share them with the world. 

Shari Bodofsky presenting research at the 2017 C. elegans Conference

Here’s to Beakers and Brushes,

Shari Bodofsky

Muhlenberg College Biology Major and Studio Art Minor

Molecular Genetics Researcher and Jewelry Making & Metallurgy Club President