UPenn Institute for Translational Medicine & Therapeutics - Art-Science Residency  

The presentation by the Penn TRIP undergraduate interns at the ICA July 24, 2025, 5-7pm was stellar. They shared their science & passion through their ceramic art. The integration of art into their science shines light on the research, healing and community inspiration through their Shields.

Experience how these clay shields act as conversation starters, breaking down scientific jargon and making complex ideas more relatable. See how art enhances scientific communication, providing a new lens through which to view research. 

This special program illuminates science & art, fostering a deeper connection between researchers and the community. The ITMAT Translational Research Immersion Program (TRIP) provides a 10-week summer mentored research experience to undergraduates at participating institutions. Students and their mentors had an opportunity to create ceramic Shields giving visual voice to their research and serve as a reflection of their identity as a human and their role within their communities.  This process will be guided by the ITMAT Artist in Residence, Marguerita Hagan and Dr. Carsten Skarke, ITMAT Artist in Residence Program Founder. 

Science communication through artwork is an opportunity for researchers to engage authentically, efficiently, and eloquently with community stakeholders. The artwork takes on the form of a Shield, a concept frequently used by the artist to convey protection. Shields also honor lineage like a family crest, where in the context of TRIP, lineage could be understood as the culmination of research, personal, and community experience in the crest as the art piece to catalyze science community engagement. During the presentation, the students share with the audience their research and sculpture process, and how both have been influenced by their personal experience as well as their community ties. This environment provides stakeholders an opportunity to participate in meaningful dialogue around scientific research and the impact on communities.

 The ceramic art and science will culminate in an installation sharing Hagan’s 2-year tenure as AiR including shields made by university interns and science mentors 2024-25 & 2025-26. A documentary following this year’s Shield process is in progress.

Oct 13 & 14, 2025 Penn hosts the International ITMAT Symposium with institutions from around the world. Hagan, Dr. Carsten Skarke, scientists and interns will present a poster session.

An extended exhibition is in the works to be announced. 

Thank you Kayla Yup at the Philadelphia Inquirer for this inspiring article July 26, 2025, in the Health section:

Watch RECORDING of this inspiring presentation: