Brightly coloured, science-inspired artwork now transforms the walls of the Biosciences building stairwell. This art was created with the goal of inspiring hope and encouraging positive environmental change.
When Breana Sanders first launched the Biosciences mural project, she was in the fourth year of her undergraduate degree in biomedical science and serving as vice-president of academics for the Science Students’ Association (SSA). During this time, Sanders co-ordinated the first two murals: The Human Condition and Nature’s Symphony. Now pursuing a master’s degree in environmental sustainability, Sanders reflects on how the initiative first came together in May 2023, with the support of biology professor Heather Kharouba, the driving force behind the Faculty’s Artist-in-Residence program.
“I had bumped into Dr. Kharouba, and she was telling me about how she had an artist (Valérie Chartrand) that worked with her lab,” Sanders recalls. She was inspired by Professor Kharouba’s willingness to merge art and science.
By winter 2024, with support from Kharouba, the project was underway. Calls were put out for student artists in science, whose interpretations of environmental sustainability were carefully selected and transformed into large-scale murals. By May 2025, the final mural had been completed.
The SSA also contributed directly by offering a $2,500 scholarship for each mural to recognize the student artists’ outstanding contribution to the science community at uOttawa.
Science speaking through art
For Kharouba, bridging science and art is essential to making scientific discoveries truly resonate beyond the academic community.
“Art allows for an emotional connection to ideas in a way that science can’t do on its own,” she explains. That emotional connection, she adds, can influence behaviour, especially around complex issues like climate change and conservation efforts.
Since she collaborated with Chartrand and supported Sanders’ mural initiative, art has begun to shape Kharouba’s classroom teaching, where visual elements — such as paintings and illustrations — are increasingly integrated into her teaching practice. And so, for Kharouba, supporting this mural initiative was a no-brainer.
Redefining what it means to be a science student
Julia Esber played a major role in co-ordinating the third and final mural, Bloom Through the Broken. At the time, Esber was in the third year of her biomedical science degree and serving as SSA vice-president of promotions. Now entering her fourth year — and her term as SSA president — she hopes to continue fostering cross-disciplinary initiatives within the Faculty. The SSA is currently exploring the possibility of student-painted murals in Marion Hall.
“We’re always open to new initiatives, new ideas, new ways to encourage students of all different interests and passions,” Esber says.
The murals now stand as a vibrant and powerful reminder that artistic and scientific approaches are not separate pursuits but deeply interconnected ways of understanding the world.
Student-artist spotlight
The Human Condition
Sofia Melo, BSc ‘27
Amidst the current climate crisis, there’s often a disconnect in contemplating how environmental science impacts society. The Human Condition highlights the striking parallels between human anatomy and the organic structures of flora and fauna, reminding us of our shared essence with all life on earth.
“Upon starting university, I felt as if I had chosen to pursue science over art. However,… artists in STEM disciplines have been given opportunities which allow both fields to enhance each other, resulting in positive contributions towards science accessibility across campus.”
— Sofia Melo
Nature’s Symphony
Emani Radlin, BSc ’27, and Nashia Zaheen, BSc ’27
Nature’s Symphony intertwines the delicate beauty of butterfly wings with an intricate selection of biological components, embodying the rich diversity inherent in all forms of life.
“I’ve always loved art and was grateful to take it throughout high school, but when I came to university, I wasn’t sure if I’d have the opportunity to pursue it alongside my science degree. This project allowed me to reconnect with that passion while collaborating with a close friend, making the experience both creatively and personally meaningful to me.”
—Emani Radlin
Bloom Through the Broken
Diana Ariana, BSc ’27, Ghazal Farahmand, BSc ’27, and Zoya Farahmand, BSc ’27
This piece reimagines Mother Earth as a monumental statue woven into the natural landscape, her form both a part of and shaped by the environment around her. Bloom Through the Broken invites us to consider our responsibility in protecting the planet and facilitating new growth.
“Combining my love for science and art for this mural allowed me to discover the intersection of both and recognize that there’s so much naturally occurring art within science.”
—Diana Ariana
“Researching themes like climate change, restoration and ecological stewardship made me think more critically about the relationship between humans and nature, and how small, intentional actions can contribute to healing damaged environments.”
— Ghazal Farahmand
“Science has always been a major interest of mine, so having the opportunity to express and explore that interest through art was especially impactful.”
—Zoya Farahmand
