Doctor of Pharmacy candidate Loranna Grigoryan and undergraduate biological sciences major Jonathan Lee fashioned a series of human ears attached to a two-and-a-half foot structure evoking DNA’s double helix. The work of art references the research of USC Stem Cell scientist Neil Segil, PhD, who studies the embryonic development of the inner ear and develops future treatments for deaf people, and was produced for an Advanced Ceramics (FACE 312) course taught by USC Roski Head of Ceramics Karen Koblitz.

After the sculpture appeared in the Fall 2014 Ceramics Area show in the Helen Lindhurst Fine Arts Gallery in USC Roski’s Watt Hall, the students graciously donated it to Segil and the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC.

“I really love the sculpture,” said Segil. “It’s not often that someone takes time to try and understand the arcane nature of a biologist’s work and turn it into art. I think they did a great job, and thank this art and science collaboration for giving the students an opportunity to interact with people in a working laboratory.”