"Percipio", a Latin term meaning to learn through the senses, is the name of the Art in Science Program, which features a collection of colorful, striking images that were produced by scientists at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in the process of conducting their research. These beautiful images were created as a result of adding fluorescent dyes to cell material. Various dyes are attracted to different parts of cells depending on distinct characteristics of specific cell parts. The images were captured using 40x microscopy with filters that allow color variations to be seen and recorded. Titles for the images are based upon a visual impression each image suggests.

The goal of Percipio is to educate the community about science through the universal language of art. All proceeds from sales of items developed in this program go directly back to the Center for Lung Biology and the College of Medicine to fund research. All images must have been obtained while pursuing hypothesis-driven research and have not been staged. Most of the images chosen for exhibits are exactly as they were seen under the microscope and have not been altered. Framed "artworks" selected for this program are exhibited throughout the region from time to time in various venues with new images each year. A schedule is provided at this web site under the "Now Showing" link.

The concept for the Program was developed by Kathryn Ziel, Ph.D., a former research fellow in the USA Department of Pharmacology. Ms. Charlene Jordan directs the program through the USA Center for Lung Biology, and provides presentations to schools and groups of any age or interest.

For more on the Art in Science Program, contact Charlene Jordan at (251)-460-7086.