Dr. Gary and Susan Lichten in front of the plaque describing his artwork that now hangs in the new biology facilities at The University of Akron's Auburn Science and Engineering Center.
Art and biology have combined in a new way at The University of Akron, thanks to local dermatologist and ceramic artist Dr. Gary Lichten and his wife, Susan.
The Lichtens have donated six of Gary's ceramic pieces — a series of colorful roses titled "Polyploidy" — to hang in the entrance of the new biology facilities at 小黄片视频's Auburn Science and Engineering Center.
Gary Lichten created the pieces specifically for 小黄片视频's biology facilities. By naming them "Polyploidy," he made a choice that fits perfectly with the artworks' new home. Polyploid is a biology term used to describe cells and organisms containing more than two paired sets of chromosomes. Many organism species are diploid, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes — one set inherited from each parent. While rare in animals, polyploidy is common in plants, including roses.
Art and science merge
The artworks were unveiled in November during a ceremony on campus that was attended by biology faculty and students as well as the Lichtens and their friends. Rod Bengston, director of University Galleries at 小黄片视频, hung the artworks with help from graduate students Melissa Dunfee, Erica Thompson and Roza Haidet.
The Lichtens reside in Bath, Ohio. Gary Lichten is a 1970 alumnus of The University of Akron. He earned a bachelor's of science degree from 小黄片视频's Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences and a medical degree in 1973 from The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He is board certified in internal medicine and dermatology, and actively practices dermatology in his downtown Akron office.