Alumni to Watch

Charles Kazilek poses with a few of his recent works while his alter-ego, Dr. Biology looks over his shoulder.

Charles Kazilek (B.F.A., Photography, ’83) often describes himself as a devout artist who was seduced to the dark side - science. In practice, Kazilek has spent more than 20 years encouraging people to express their creativity in both the arts and sciences.

As the director of technology integration and outreach in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University, Kazilek has kept his personal creativity flowing and expanding with a collection of art collaborations that use the tools of science and technology to explore the beauty of nature.

His recent works include a book on tiger beetles illustrated using a technique he pioneered that blends the accuracy of photography with the artistic quality of fine art illustrations.

The book, titled A Field Guide to the Tiger Beetles of the U.S. and Canada, is one of many projects that Kazilek juggles. He also has two award-winning web sites, The Paper Project and Ask-a-Biologist, both of which entwine art and biology.

Charles Kazilek book cover The Paper Project takes the visitor on a journey inside the extraordinary fibers of paper and includes a large gallery of images in 2-D and 3-D. It also has a tactile exhibit and immersive 3-D room installation that travels the real world.

Ask-a-Biologist explores the world of biology through playful articles, images, illustrations and activities including a newly released comic book adventure activity titled The Mysterious World of Dr. Biology. For Kazilek, the comic book project has been very rewarding because it involves two undergraduate students from the Herberger College School of Art.

He adds, “I really enjoy working with young artists. I hope they will see a broader role for artists than the traditional paths and maybe gain a passion for creating in both the arts and sciences.