The American Institute of Biological Sciences’ (AIBS) annual Faces of Biology Photo Contest (www.aibs.org/faces-of-biology) showcases, in a personal way, biological research in its many forms and settings. The images help the public and policymakers better understand the value of biological research and education.
Since 2011, this contest has challenged scientists to become photographers and showcase the varied forms that biological research can take. Whether taken in a lab or in the field, these images have inspired scientists, educators, and students to explore how they can communicate their work to a broader audience.
“Photography is an effective tool to help communicate the process of scientific research,” said Scott Glisson, CEO of AIBS. “This contest provides a visual forum for expression, inspiration, and technical skill that can have a positive impact on how the public views research and science.”
Joseph Kleinkopf, a PhD student at the University of New Mexico, won first place with a photograph of himself collecting alpine plants from 12,696 feet elevation in the steep north face of Sheepshead Peak situated in the heart of the Pecos Wilderness of New Mexico. “Photographs and other forms of art are accessible to most people and allow scientists to showcase the exciting and beautiful parts of science,” says Kleinkopf. “I think scientists can use art to generate an interest in science in people from all walks of life.”
Joseph Kleinkopf collects alpine plants during his fieldwork in New Mexico. Photograph: Joseph Kleinkopf.
Scientists have been taking pictures in the field for some time. Kleinkopf said, “My advisors [and] mentors Hannah Marx and Harpo Faust suggested that I enter a photograph from our summer fieldwork season. We have some really neat photos from the summer, so it didn't make sense not to!” He embraced the opportunity to showcase his work to the public.
Heather Krumholtz, who won second place, said, “As the communications specialist for the University of Florida Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, I am always looking for ways to share what's going on at the lab, and this photo contest was a fun, creative way to highlight our environmental DNA (eDNA) research!” Krumholtz works at Whitney Laboratory, and shared how Dr. David Duffy and his lab collect samples from sea turtles at Florida beaches to conduct their research. From just a few grains of sand, the Duffy Lab is able to do their research without ever needing to sight or interact with the endangered animals themselves.
“Photographs or other visual art forms can provide impactful support for a scientist's work. A visual snapshot of their research can bring it to life, enhance understanding, and draw in an audience to want to learn more,” said Krumholtz.
Allaire Bartel, from Yale University, took third place with an image of graduate student Swathi Manivannan conducting research for National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellow Andrea Ayala's project “In Hot Water: Waterfowl, Climate Change, and Vibriosis.” This project has been studying the effects of climate change on vibriosis in waterfowl.
Postdoctoral associate, Jessica Alice Farrell, extracting environmental DNA or eDNA from hundreds of sand samples collected from Florida's sea turtle nesting beaches. Photograph: Heather Krumholtz.
When asked what advice she would give to scientists who want to be photographers, Krumholtz said, “Take photos as you are getting set up with your subject and after; candid shots can turn out to be the best ones!”
Swathi Manivannan using a water sampling probe at Martin Luther King Park in Orlando, Florida. Photograph: Allaire Bartel.
All three winners received a 1-year subscription to BioScience. Kleinkopf also received |${\$}$|250. The 2024 contest is currently open. Visit the AIBS website for more information.
Author Biography
Diane Bosnjak ([email protected]) is the membership and senior communications manager at the American Institute of Biological Sciences.
