New SUU Gallery Honors Faculty and Highlights Research-Inspired Art
Published: December 02, 2025 | Author: Gabrielle Costello | Read Time: 3 minutes
Students, faculty, and community members gathered on Wednesday, November 5 for the grand opening of the new ALK Gallery in the Southern Utah University Science Center, launched as a signature event of SUU’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Week.
Sponsored by the Cedar City Arts Council and the Walter Maxwell Gibson College of STEM, the ALK Gallery highlights artistic representations of student research—inviting visitors to experience science through creativity, curiosity, and visual storytelling. The ALK gallery is named in honor of emeritae faculty Arlene Braithwaite (art), Laura Cotts (physics and astronomy), and Kate Grandison (biology), as well as all educators who champion cross-disciplinary collaboration, connection with the natural world, and student-driven discovery.
To showcase the breadth of research and innovation at SUU, the gallery will feature a rotating annual exhibit, presenting new student-faculty collaborations each year. The inaugural exhibition includes works by Helen Boswell, Charlee Cannon, Jeremy Gunter, Kalea Lattin, Emma Monson, Stryder Wiese, and Jaxton Yeates.
The ALK Gallery is located on the second floor of the Skaggs Center (SCA) on the Southern Utah University campus. Visitors are warmly invited to explore the collection during regular building hours.
Featured Works
Azollascape by Kalea Lattin
Azolla, also known as “fairy moss,” is a nitrogen-fixing aquatic fern that forms delicate mats of overlapping fronds.This image captures a tray of Azolla from Kalea Lattin’s greenhouse experiments, where she studied how the plant influences neighboring aquatic species. A double major in biology and chemistry, Kalea’s work reflects her fascination with plants and their hidden complexities. Mentored by Dr. Sam Wells, SUU Department of Biology.
SEM Imaging of PDMS Flow-Through Frit by Emma Monson
Using scanning electron microscopy, this image reveals the microstructure of a PDMS frit designed to filter algae for potential biofuel production. Chemistry major Emma Monson explores how such innovations could be scaled to industrial applications. Her research demonstrates the intersection of chemistry, physics, and sustainability. Mentored by Dr. Chris Monson, SUU Department of Chemistry and Physics.
Science Is the Art of Curiosity by Jeremy Gunter
This collage of long-exposure astrophotographs—featuring the Eagle Nebula (M16), Andromeda Galaxy (M31), and Lagoon Nebula (M8)—illustrates how curiosity and persistence can bring the cosmos into view. Freshman applied mathematics major, Jeremy Gunter, is continuing his passion for astronomy first sparked in childhood by capturing and stitching these images using a Seestar S50 telescope. Independent work, inspired by the artist’s journey in science.
Flow of Dopamine Neurons by Jaxton Yeates
This composite fluorescence image depicts dopamine receptor pathways in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. By overlaying green and red fluorescent channels onto the worm’s body plan, the research highlights how neuronal signaling may be altered under different conditions. A human nutrition major with a pre-med emphasis, Jaxton Yeates conducted this project while preparing for a career in pharmaceutical research. Mentored by Dr. Tyson Edwards, SUU Department of Biology.
Fear Not! by Helen Boswell
The striking colors of the Green Bottle Blue Tarantula (Chromatopelma) challenge the common fear of spiders. As part of SUU’s Animal Ambassadors program, Dr. Helen Boswell and her students use such encounters to study responses to zoophobic stimuli and to promote science education. An SUU biology professor since 1999, Dr. Boswell is dedicated to inspiring curiosity and respect for living organisms through both research and outreach.
Sunspot at Sunset by Stryder Wiese
Captured through a 130mm telescope with a solar filter, this photograph reveals sunspots etched against the setting sun over Cedar City. Sunspot activity signals solar storms—events with real-world impacts on satellites and power grids. Applied mathematics major and physics minor, Stryder Wiese, shares his fascination with astronomy through this image, developed under the guidance of Dr. Cameron Pace, SUU Department of Chemistry and Physics.
Human Glioblastoma Cell Line by Charlee Cannon
These immortalized brain cancer cells are part of research into nanoparticle-based drug delivery. By encapsulating the chemotherapy drug temozolomide within extracellular vesicles derived from cow’s milk, researchers hope to improve treatment efficiency and transport across the blood-brain barrier. Chemistry major Charlee Cannon, Class of 2026, is pursuing her passion for therapeutic innovation through this project with Dr. Jessica Pullan, SUU Department of Chemistry and Physics.
Tags: FacStaff College of STEM Arts Administration
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