The same scientific research that generates new understanding and innovation also brings unexpected and often breathtaking beauty. Northwestern University’s annual scientific images contest, “Capturing the Beauty of Science,” celebrates and showcases the aesthetic side of research.

Come on out Tuesday, April 16, from 6:00-7:30pm to WBEZ’s North Side Bureau to view three of the winning images from the 2012 Scientific Images contest and meet the scientists behind them.

Stop by to hear about the fascinating and innovative research being done at Northwestern University, the contest’s home, and to admire the beauty of science. From quantum chemistry to materials science to nanotechnology, these scientists will talk about the practical applications of their work, which could one day impact the development of sustainable energy, new medicines and better electronics.

About the Scientists
Dr. Baudilio Tejerina holds a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of Oviedo, Spain (EU). After graduation in 1999, he spent four years working and studying theoretical chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Ames Laboratory at Ames, IA. In 2004 he joined the Chemistry Department  as Computer Systems Manager and Scientific Site Lead for the Network of Computational Nanotechnology (NCN) at Northwestern University. Currently, Dr. Tejerina works as the Systems Manager in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Northwestern University.

Andrew Koltonow is in his third year of graduate studies at Northwestern. He is researching nanoscale carbon sheets and developing new ways of assembling them into materials. Prior to coming to Northwestern, Koltonow studied materials science and polymer chemistry as an undergraduate at the University of Michigan. He is looking forward to an illustrious career as a lecturer or professor.

Tejas Shastry is a second year P.h.D student in materials science and engineering at Northwestern University. His research interests focus on renewable energy, and he currently explores ways to use carbon nanotubes to make affordable and efficient solar cells. After completing his P.h.D, Shastry plans on pursuing industry-level renewable energy research and hopes to move on to a career in energy policy.

About the Contest
The Scientific Images contest was started in 2010 by Science in Society, a Northwestern office for science outreach and public engagement, and features the work of university faculty, students and staff in disciplines that range from genetics to engineering. Judged by an interdisciplinary panel of local artists, scientists and community leaders, each image comes from a Northwestern research project and cannot be fundamentally altered from its original form. In essence, the images represent both scientific data and art. This year five winners and seven honorable mentions were chosen.

In addition to having their work on display, winning scientists receive science communications training, working with Science in Society to craft image captions that are accessible to the widest possible audience. Additionally, they learn storytelling and presentation techniques, and work to create public talks that are both interesting and suitable for all audiences.

2012 Winning Images have appeared at the Evanston Public Library, Noyes Cultural Arts Center, WBEZ on Navy Pier, Evanston Arts Center and Donny’s Skybox Theatre. This summer the winning images will be displayed at Harold Washington Library.