This spring, the Radcliffe Institute showcased the array of work being done by present and past fellows in science and the arts, hosting four major events for alumnae/i and supporters in California and New York City.

Radcliffe fellows’ research is the future of science

“Radcliffe at the Cutting Edge of Science” featured Stefi Baum RI ’12, the Elizabeth S. and Richard M. Cashin Fellow and an astronomer, and Pamela Silver RI ’12, the Edward, Frances, and Shirley B. Daniels Fellow and a systems biologist.

Baum’s research focuses on activity in galaxies and its relation to galaxy and cluster evolution; image processing and statistical algorithms applied to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) for mental health diagnosis; and science and engineering education. Silver focuses on the predictable and facile engineering of biological systems with applications in both human health and global sustainability.

The lunchtime presentation was held at the Harvard Club of New York on May 9.

Out of the lab and onto the canvas

“Radcliffe at the Crossroads of Science and Art” featured the art and science of four former and current Institute fellows.

Bevil Conway PhD ’01, RI ’11 is a neuroscientist who examines the mechanisms the brain uses to transform sensory information into behavior and a visual artist whose work is held in private and public collections.

Mycologist Anne Pringle and theoretical physicist Lisa Randall spoke to California crowds about art and science.Photo by Jen SiskaAnne Pringle RI ’12, a mycologist, has been investigating lichen on the tombstones
of a New England cemetery for the
past seven years. Her photographs of lichen are scientifically important and aesthetically remarkable.

Lisa Randall ’84, PhD ’87, RI ’03 is a theoretical physicist who has worked to improve public understanding of science through her writing. She has also written an opera libretto and cocurated an art exhibit.

Benny Shilo RI ’12 is fascinated by the processes of embryonic development, which are mediated and dictated by molecular communication between cells. Also a photographer, he uses images from the larger human world to convey the underlying principles of embryonic development in an illuminating way.

This remarkable program traveled to California for lunchtime presentations on April 4 in San Francisco and April 5 in Menlo Park.