The Trees Inside Our Brain | Page 3

The Trees Inside Our Brain
By Richelle Gribble & Dana Simmons
© SciArt Center 2016

Dana Simmons is a Ph.D. Candidate in
Neurobiology at The University of Chicago, where she researches Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD) in the cerebellum. Her dissertation research seeks to find and explain
abnormalities in communication between
neurons in the cerebellum of autistic brains.
Her interest in science–art connections
stems from a lifelong passion for
fine arts, and also from an enthusiasm for
sharing the beauty of the cerebellum. The
cerebellum contains complexly branched
neurons called Purkinje cells, and Purkinje
cell dendrites closely resemble the structure of tree branches and networks. Dana is
especially interested in patterns, such as this
branched Purkinje pattern, that are found in
both microscopic and macroscopic nature.
Dana’s neuroscience–based art is on display
at the Grossman Institute for Neuroscience,
Quantum Biology, and Human Behavior at
The University of Chicago.
@dhsimmons1

Richelle Gribble creates mixed media paintings and drawings, prints, puzzles, videos
and sculptures. Her artwork is inspired by
virality, biology, networks, group dynamics,
and social trends. She earned a BFA in Studio Arts from the Roski School of Art and
Design with dual minors in Social Entrepreneurship and Marketing at the University of
Southern California. Gribble is winner of the
2016 Grand Prize Award for solo exhibition
at Jonathan Ferrara Gallery with inclusion in
Art Market (San Francisco), Texas Contemporary, and Art Basel (Miami). Her works
have been exhibited on LED screens in
Times Square and at Christie’s Salesroom,
the Fisher Museum of Fine Arts, John Wayne
Airport, and more. Her art has been acquired by Art & Trojan Traditions Collection
and Kala Collection, and also flew to space
aboard Blue Origin’s space system.
@richellegribble
www.richellegribble.com
(photo credit JS Carson)