Dr. Gary and Susan Lichten in front of the plaque describing his artwork that now hangs in the new biology facilities at Â鶹ֱ²¥ of Akron's Auburn Science and Engineering Center.
Art and biology have combined in a new way at Â鶹ֱ²¥ 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 Â鶹ֱ²¥'s Auburn Science and Engineering Center.
Gary Lichten created the pieces specifically for Â鶹ֱ²¥'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 Â鶹ֱ²¥, 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 Â鶹ֱ²¥ of Akron. He earned a bachelor's of science degree from Â鶹ֱ²¥'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.