First place winner: an octopus seemingly trying to take a "selfie" with the diver's camera. (Chelsea Bennice, Ph.D.)

Science isn't just a pursuit of knowledge - it's a canvas of creativity where data, design and exploration converge to reveal the unexpected beauty woven into the very fabric of discovery. Each year, Florida Atlantic University 's Division of Research celebrates creativity with its "Art of Science" contest as research transcends the lab and field to become stunning works of visual expression.

The competition invites FAU faculty, students and staff to showcase their research through photography and video, strengthening connections between science, art and the broader community. The Art of Science competition also highlights FAU's continued rise as a hub for innovation, excellence and discovery, following its prestigious designation as an "R1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production" institution by the Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education.

Now in its seventh year, the FAU Division of Research has announced this year's Art of Science winners among more than 200 entries - one of the highest participation rates in the program's history - with submissions spanning marine science, engineering, biology and environmental research. A total of 31 winners were selected from the entries including the top three winners.

In addition to the main awards, the People's Choice Award gives the public an opportunity to vote for their favorite photograph. Voting is open now through midnight on Monday, Dec. 1, and can be accessed at woobox.com/2aig6x. The public is encouraged to vote daily and share the competition with friends, family and colleagues.

The Art of Science first place winner is Chelsea Bennice, Ph.D., a marine biologist and a postdoctoral researcher in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, for her entry titled, "First Selfie … Cephie." Her captivating underwater image captures an octopus seemingly trying to take a "selfie" with a diver's camera. The photo celebrates the complex arm flexibility and control of these eight-armed cephalopods, each capable of performing intricate movements simultaneously due to a sophisticated nervous system and musculature. Bennice's work illustrates the harmony between scientific observation and the natural world's artistry. She received a Meta Quest 3 VR Headset for her winning submission.

The Art of Science second place winner is Gabriella Carvajal, a doctoral student in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, mentored by Jeanette Wyneken, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, for her entry "Sea Turtle Beginning." Using a technique known as "candling," Carvajal photographed the embryonic development of a loggerhead sea turtle within its egg, revealing the intricate blood vessels that sustain life and growth. Her research examines temperature-dependent sex determination, shedding light on how a shifting climate may affect future sea turtle populations. Carvajal received Ray-Ban Meta Smart Sunglasses as her prize.

The Art of Science third place winner is Sky Rueff, an undergraduate student in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, mentored by Oscar Curet, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, for "Journey to Space." The image sequence captures the dramatic moment a high-altitude research balloon bursts nearly 100,000 feet above Earth, marking the transition from ascent to descent. The photograph, taken from the payload's mounted camera, documents the test of an autonomous paraglider parachute system designed to guide payloads safely back to land. Rueff received Apple AirPods Pro 3 for this achievement.

The winning photographs, along with additional award recipients, will be featured in the Art of Science Gallery Exhibition, opening March 31, 2026, at 4 p.m. in the Ritter Art Gallery, Boca Raton campus.

"Every year, the Art of Science competition reminds us that creativity is at the heart of discovery," said Gregg Fields, Ph.D., FAU vice president for research. "Our faculty, student and staff researchers are not only advancing knowledge - they are showing the world the beauty within the pursuit of science. The images in this competition reflect the imagination, curiosity and passion that drive FAU's research community forward."

Judges of the Art of Science included 15 representatives from FAU's various colleges and institutes who selected 31 winners. Winners included the first, second and third place awardees, two from field work, two from laboratory research, top postdoc, top staff, 10 research excellence awards, and 12 honorable mentions.

To register to attend the exhibit opening night, visit here. To view all 2025 winners, visit research/art-of-science-winners/. For more information, email [email protected].

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