Science and comics program seeking student fellows

The UO’s Science/Comics Interdisciplinary Research Program is seeking two artistic students for winter term who can each partner with a scientist to create an original comic based on real research as part of the recently launched Science and Comics Fellowship Program.

Two fellowships of $1,000 will be awarded to selected recipients. The program pairs UO undergraduate comics artists with UO scientists to create a comic based on the scientist’s research. Artists are selected based on the strength of their application, as well as their ability to produce a body of work within the winter term. 

The brainchild of Tien-Tien Yu, an assistant professor in the Department of Physics, the program was launched in spring 2020 and gave rise to comics covering research in physics and neuroscience. Overseen by Yu and Katherine Kelp-Stebbins, an assistant professor in the Department of English and associate director of the Comics and Cartoon Studies program, the initiative encourages interdisciplinary research and spurs curriculum development by bringing together faculty, students and researchers from numerous departments, programs and campus facilities.

“It’s become an incredible program in terms of the way that it unites some of the big strengths of the UO and also draws together students and faculty in a really productive way,” Kelp-Stebbins said. “When we’re talking about interdisciplinarity, this is a really amazing way of bridging entirely disparate areas.”

Applications for winter term are due Dec. 4. Applicants must be enrolled UO undergraduates with experience drawing comics.

To apply, visit the online application page. For examples of previous comics, visit the program information page.