Fusing art and science, the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program (UNEP) at the University of Utah held its inaugural student art scholarship fundraiser April 22, showcasing 20 art pieces inspired by student research. Proceeds donated by art collectors, including the Utah Office of Energy Development, enabled UNEP to establish a $1,000 scholarship for the U student chapter of the Alpha Nu Sigma nuclear engineering honor society.
UNEP students — ranging from a high school intern to postdoctorate fellows — created the art by enhancing and stylizing simulations and projects involving UNEP’s training, research, isotopes, general atomics (TRIGA) reactor.
Focused on projects involving medical visualization, particle analysis and TRIGA reactor components, the vivid and finely detailed art provided a look at the diverse ways nuclear research serves society, as well as a glimpse into the passion of UNEP’s students.
Developed by Tatjana Jevremovic, UNEP director and Energy Solutions Presidential Endowed Chair Professor, the student art-based fundraiser was a first for UNEP and the national Alpha Nu Sigma honor society. UNEP plans to expand the fundraiser to create additional science, technology, engineering and mathematics opportunities for students.