Bridging Art and Science: The Synergy Project Enters Its Sixth Year with a Dynamic New Cohort 

Written By Ellen Matesanz
Cyclonic Flux by Betsy Ritz

Above: "Cyclonic Flux" by Betsy Ritz.

Art League RI is proud to mark its sixth year of sponsoring The Synergy Project, a unique initiative that bridges the gap between the creative and scientific communities. We are thrilled to welcome a new cohort of 36 artist and scientist teams—representing states including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and California—to both the project and the Art League RI professional community.

The Synergy Project is a collaborative program that pairs artists with research scientists from renowned institutions such as the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), the University of Rhode Island (URI), and the University of Connecticut (UConn). By developing a common visual language, the program serves as a vital tool for science communication, transforming complex data into engaging art that educates the general public about critical environmental, oceanographic, and pharmacological research. These dedicated teams have already begun the process of communication and collaboration, working together to design relevant and descriptive projects that will bring their scientific research to life for a broader audience.

Synergy Cohort III Artist & Scientist Teams and Thematic Research / Scientific Focus 

The following teams are currently collaborating on their respective research areas:

  • Leslie Breault & Rachel Nelson (URI GSO): PFAS in coastal birds.

  • Sharon Cutts & Veronica Berounsky, Ph.D (URI GSO): Ecology of marine and estuarine ecosystems.

  • Barbara Danzi & Cora Hersh (WHOI): Climate and ocean circulation.

  • Cynthia DiDonato & Francesco Ventura (WHOI): Seabird movement and foraging.

  • Dina Doyle & Jaime Ross, Ph.D (URI CoP): Aging and Alzheimer's research.

  • Lisa Lee Freeman & Svenja Ryan, Ph.D (WHOI): Ocean variability in the Northwest Atlantic.

  • Topher Gent & Chris German, Sc.D (WHOI): Ocean Biogeochemistry and hydrothermal vents.

  • Victoria Guerina & Jaime Ross, Ph.D (URI CoP): Aging and Alzheimer's research.

  • Diane E. Heilig & Jayne Pawasaukas, Ph.D / Svenja Ryan, Ph.D (URI CoP; WHOI): Palliative care and ocean variability.

  • Kathy Hodge & Francesco Ventura, Ph.D (WHOI): Seabird movement and foraging.

  • Judith Jacobs & Alexandra Johnson, Ph.D (URI Biocontrol Lab): Environment and pest population control.

  • Laurie Kaplowitz & Sarah Shackleton, Ph.D (WHOI): Ancient air and climate history.

  • Karen LaFleur & Caroline Ummenhofer, Ph.D (WHOI): Physical oceanography and climate science.

  • Elizabeth Lind & Veronica Berounsky, Ph.D (URI GSO): Ecology of marine and estuarine ecosystems.

  • Robin M. Lussier & Thomas Lavoie, Pharm.D / Jayne Pawasaukas, Pharm.D (URI CoP): Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and palliative care.

  • Sydney Mantell & Mateja Nenadovic, Ph.D (URI CELS): Fisheries policy and sustainability.

  • Phoebe McMahon & Robin Littlefield (WHOI): Ocean engineering, kelp aquaculture, and deep-sea exploration.

  • Mallory McPherson & Russell Shomberg, Ph.D (URI GSO): Side scan sonar and sea floor imaging.

  • Todd Monjar & Kaitlin Dailey, Ph.D (URI CoP): Pancreatic cancer therapeutics.

  • Catherine Moylan & Maria V. Ingersoll, PhD (WHOI): Molecular adaptations of marine invertebrates.

  • Joy Muller-McCoola & Lindsay Grose / Kathy Donohue, PhD (URI GSO): Ocean mixing and eddies off South Africa.

  • Chris Page & Yanxu Chen, PhD (WHOI): Ocean-atmosphere heat exchange.

  • Kylie Pasternak & Allessandra D'Angelo, PhD (URI GSO): Biogeochemical Oceanography.

  • Betsy Ritz & Jaime Ross, Ph.D / Teresa Sierra (URI CoP): Alzheimer's and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

  • Ewa Romaszewicz & Ambarish Karmalkar, PhD (URI CELS): Climate and Global Warming.

  • Susan G. Sancomb & Lindsay Grose / Kathy Donohue, PhD (URI GSO): Ocean mixing and eddies off South Africa.

  • Katy Scudieri & Brittany Sprecher, Ph.D (WHOI): Microscopic eukaryotic cells.

  • Katha Seidman & James Brice (WHOI): Biophysical interactions in marine communities.

  • Michele Hayeur Smith & Allessandra D'Angelo, PhD (URI GSO): Biogeochemical Oceanography.

  • Peter Snyder & Alex DeCicicco / Ryan Campos (URI GSO Inner Space Center): Ocean access and technology.

  • Marilu Swett & Alyssa Tsukada (URI GSO): Biological Oceanography.

  • Roma Taitwood & Chris German, Sc.D (WHOI): Ocean Biogeochemistry and hydrothermal vents.

  • L. Grace Walls & Avery Fulford (WHOI): Microbe survival in extreme conditions.

  • John Wolf & Miah Manning (WHOI): Algae and bacteria interactions.

  • Jennifer Wright & Sarah Kienle, PhD (URI CELS): Biology of top predators and environmental adaptation.

  • Mellissa Morris & Molly James (UConn Marine Science): Coastal wetland flooding dynamics.

Please stay tuned and check back often, as we will be publishing regular updates on their progress and upcoming exhibitions.

Ellen Matesanz
Next

DEADLINE EXTENDED! Call for Artists: 2025–2026 Synergy Project