蝌蚪窝视频

Before this past summer, Ulah Fargo wouldn’t have coined herself an artist.

It’ll be hard not to now.

A Biology major at University of 蝌蚪窝视频, Fargo showcased her science and artistic abilities to place third in the New Approach International Medallic Art Competition for Emerging Artists. The West Bloomfield, Mich. native was the only representative of the United States to place in the competition, which receives works from young artists all over the world.

Inside Professor of Chemistry Mark Benvenuto’s laboratory during the summer of 2024, Fargo and other 蝌蚪窝视频 research students combined science and art, creating medals.

“Honestly, I’m no artist,” she said, laughing. “I don’t have any art background, I’m a Biology major. But practice makes perfect. I was proud of it. I liked the meaning behind it, too. I just didn’t expect it at all.”

The group of research students inside of the Chemistry Building created designs, then melted metals and, using small discs, shaped them into medals of various designs. For Fargo, it was part of a larger research project on metal ions. She’s developing a thesis for her Honors Program.

Fargo chose the Hercules symbol with a lightning bolt for her design, inserting copper pieces into the tin to stand out. She re-did her design four or five times throughout the summer until she was content with the final product.

The meaning behind her medal in many aspects mirrors the personal journey of Fargo.

“This artwork reflects the idea that while lightning can seem destructive, it can also act as a catalyst for new beginnings and harmony in nature,” she said. “The Hercules symbol embodies strength and resilience.

“The tin and copper materials, they symbolize the balance between toughness and beauty, illustrating how challenges can lead to growth and renewal, creating harmony and vitality in life.”

Fargo, who was born in Iraq, immigrated to the United States when she was six. She said she struggled early on in school, learning a new language along with everything else that came with moving across the world, but has come a long way academically.

In fact, Fargo’s come so far that she will graduate in just three years with her Biology degree. She has her sights set on Physician Assistant (PA) school next, hoping to one day become a surgical PA.

“Honestly, I would have never expected to be where I am now from when I was a kid,” she said. “But I feel like I’m ambitious. I will put in the time and effort, when it’s needed, for research and for school.”

While she may be adding art to her list of skills, Fargo also knows that her summer research in Benvenuto’s lab could also pave the way for her future PA career.

“I’m interested in surgical PA, so I think that it was helpful using smaller tools, allowing time for practice with the small details,” she said. “You have to be very good with your hands, gentle but firm.”

Benvenuto, a professor at the University for more than three decades, is well-known for pushing his students to be recognized at national and international levels.

He was not surprised Fargo received high praise for her work, even if she was going head-to-head with some of the best young artists worldwide.

“Picasso once said that we are all born artists, but the trick is to remain one,” Benvenuto said. “Fargo created a neat design, so I guess it didn’t surprise me. I knew she had it in her all along.”

— By Adam Bouton. Follow 蝌蚪窝视频 on , ,  and . Have a story idea? Let us know by submitting your idea.