Where Art Meets Science

Florida Atlantic’s Art of Science competition celebrates the intersection of research and creativity, showcasing the beauty of discovery through visual expression. This year, faculty and staff judges bring unique perspectives from both the arts and sciences, highlighting how technology, communication and creative practice can transform complex ideas into meaningful stories and striking imagery.

Alejandra Abad, MFA

Alejandra Abad, MFA, an assistant professor of digital media production in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, said the Art of Science is an opportunity for faculty and artists to learn more about the research and visual explorations at the university.

Abad creates work that blends analog and digital elements with technology and moving images. She said she believes that technology is integral to humanity, and considering new ways to think of materials and concepts can help imagine a brighter future while still honoring the planet and its life.

“The arts and sciences are essential parts of our human expression and innovation,” Abad said. “It is a great honor to represent the interdisciplinary arts and provide feedback on how moving images, photographic concepts and contemporary practices are being employed and explored to meet the moment.”

Nicole Nussbaum

Nicole Nussbaum is a communication coordinator for the Institute for for Sensing and Embedded Network Systems Engineering (ISENSE) where she translates research into impactful stories and shares them with the community. She previously worked in public relations, marketing and communications roles across multiple industries including public affairs, health care, cybersecurity and technology.

"As someone whose background is rooted in communications and design, I’m fascinated by the way scientists interpret their work visually,” Nussbaum said. “Serving as a judge for the Art of Science competition is an exciting opportunity to experience research across disciplines in a way that’s both beautiful and thought-provoking. My role as communications coordinator at I-SENSE lets me celebrate research every day, but the Art of Science competition offers a rare chance to see that work through an artistic lens. I can’t wait to experience the creativity researchers bring to their discoveries."