Network Visualization Research
In ongoing research efforts at the University of Pennsylvania, scientists are developing new ways of visualizing network-based data. A network is a system that is composed of many interacting parts. A social network, for example, is composed of people (parts) and their friendships (interactions). A brain network is composed of pieces of tissue that interact with each other to enable cognition. Because these and other networks can be quite large (many parts interacting in many different ways), the structure that would help us to understand these complex systems is often hidden. Better visualization tools would provide a critical advance in our understanding of these systems.
Network Visualization Internship
Young artists will spend time with scientists at Penn who are performing cutting edge research in network science as applied to social systems, human biology, and physical materials with the underlying goal of advancing bioengineering. During the course of the internship, the artist will produce 3 pieces interpreting and capturing the intricacies of these networks in novel ways. Artistic supervision and advice on these projects will be provided by local artists in the Philadelphia area who are affiliated with the program. The goal of the internship is to provide scientists with new conceptualizations of their research and to provide the intern with new knowledge in scientific art applications. The 6-week position usually occurs over the summer and is accompanied by a stipend and funds for materials.
Outreach Efforts
Pieces created by young artists during the course of this internship will be displayed at outreach events in local schools to encourage young children in the exploration of the arts and sciences. The outreach events will also include hands-on activities to familiarize students with the concepts of network architecture. Schools or institutions interested in booking these events can contact Sara Hodgson at incompra@gmail.com.