Ph.D. Candidate, Vaishnavi Padaki: Perspectives of the Phycosphere

Strand Gallery presents mixed-media artwork by OSU graduate student Vaishnavi Padaki from the Department of Microbiology as part of her Ph.D. thesis. Her research examines the interactions between marine algae and bacteria facilitated by volatile organic compounds. Vaishnavi identifies as a scientist-artist. She is enthusiastic about this interdisciplinary field and is actively exploring its possibilities and challenges to convey scientific stories.

This solo exhibition draws inspiration from her scientific findings as a graduate student specializing in marine microbiology. Vaishnavi studied microbial ecology and physiology at a microscale, specifically examining the interactions between algae and bacteria. Algae, which are tiny plant-like microorganisms, serve as the primary producers in the ocean, while the bacteria that surround them act as consumers. Overall, this collection of illustrations and glasswork invites viewers to engage with scientific concepts at their own level of understanding, encouraging a conceptual inquiry into the questions they ponder.

To learn more about Vaishnavi Padaki’s Art-Sci inspired work:
scientificexpression.com