PhD student brings artistic talents to RMS historical project

As part of the Society's Professional Internship Placement (PIP) scheme, we recently welcomed PhD student Alistair Gemmell to the RMS team.

Alistair, who is based at the University of Glasgow and University of Strathclyde, is bringing both his scientific and artistic talents to a special project celebrating the history of microscopy through the ages – and across the world.

In addition to helping research historical sources to construct a timeline of developments in microscopy and key contributions, Alistair has been tasked with creating original, digital artwork to illustrate the timeline, taking inspiration from cultural traditions from different regions.

Alistair said: “I was lucky to attend IMC21 right at the start of my internship. It was great working directly with all the staff and I felt so privileged to be around so many professionals from around the world.

“In terms of my project, I feel like I’ve been able to get stuck into something I feel really passionate about! Thus far, our timeline for the history of microscopy has been pushed back further than we expected, and I’ve also been able to create draft art pieces, including icons representing the regions that have contributed to the development of microscopy." (examples shown right) 

“These icons are inspired from the various regions' cultures, with the goal of not only ensuring equal and fair representation in the final timeline, but to also shine a spotlight on the rich and fascinating cultures from around the world.”

Alistair's PhD project blends biology with microscopy. Under the supervision of Dr Nathan Woodling and Prof Gail McConnell, he is investigating how ageing impacts tissue from a cellular level to organ level, using fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) as a model organism.

The research involves use of the mesolens, with its wide field of view and numerical aperture, to image the flies wholly down to the cellular level.