Observation in Science & Art Mentorship Program

In this Mentorship Program, CCRI Art & Design students will collaborate with CCRI STEM professors and students to create and exhibit original art and design projects. Student art and design work completed in this program will be showcased in a public exhibition at the end of the semester. Students wishing to participate in this program should apply to the student employment position Art and Design Researcher and Practitioner, application information below. This position supports a maximum of 48 hours at $16/hour. The goal for the Spring 2025 semester is to hire a cohort of eight students who will be based at CCRI’s Flanagan Campus. 

Spring 2025 Focus: Figure Drawing & Human Anatomy 

In its first semester this program will focus on the overlap between artistic figure drawing and the scientific study of human anatomy. Students will participate in workshops in the Biology Department’s Anatomy Lab led by Associate Professor Sabine Moritz (Biology). Based on these workshops, students will follow a design process and create original artwork for display in a final exhibition in May. Students are encouraged to experiment, follow their creative ideas, and use materials and processes of their choosing. Associate Professors Tyler Vouros and Daniel O’Neill (Art, Art History & Design) will provide guidance and mentorship throughout the semester. 

This program will be structured around two concepts shared by art and science: observation and interpretation. In both art and science, observation demonstrates that you are curious about your subject and how it is perceived. An artist or scientist interprets their observations as art, design solutions, or scientific theories.  The process of creating art from observation requires looking closely at a subject, determining what information to include, and interpreting this information as form and material. This program may include lens-based observation (such as microscopy and photography), which open broader possibilities in both art and science. 

Please contact Daniel O’Neill ([email protected]) if you have any questions about this program. 

RII-NEST  

The RI Inclusive Network for Excellence in Science and Technology (RII-NEST) is a $8 million initiative over four years that will 

strengthen research infrastructure and capacity in RI, inclusive of the Narragansett Indian Tribe and its people, and position the state to sustain equitable, use-inspired research as well as societal and economic growth into the future. 

More Info: https://web.uri.edu/rinsfepscor/future-epscor/  

---

RII-NEST Observation in Science & Art Mentorship Program - Student Employment Position

Full Job Description PDF

Apply Here

Title: Art and Design Researcher and Practitioner  
Hours: 5-10 hours/week, max 48 hours/term, on-campus required  
Period: 02/03/2025 - 05/02/2025  
Compensation:$16.00/hour  
Location: CCRI Flanagan Campus, Lincoln, RI  
Position Type: On-Campus Student Employment  

Duties: 
- Create and collaborate on original artwork with CCRI students and scientists  
- Assist in producing an exhibition of art and design work  
- Conduct research in support of the exhibition and workshops  
- Develop materials for presentations and workshops  
- Attend workshops and meetings with the Project Director and Faculty Mentors  
- Complete a survey about the program experience  

Required Qualifications:
- Proficiency in project organization, communication, and presenting art or science  
- Completion of at least one CCRI course: Drawing I, Human Anatomy & Physiology, or Human Biology

Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience drawing human anatomy from observation  
- Proficiency in art/design production methods  
- Science research experience  
- Completion of Drawing II  

Note: 
- Applicants subject to conduct and academic background screening  
- Artwork may be used for grant publicity  
- This program is funded by the National Science Foundation; participant details will be shared with URI grant administrators for reporting.