A collaboration of Friends: Artists and Scientists on a learning Journey
Dr Samantha Pitt is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Medicine here at the University of St Andrews and member of the CoB. Samantha investigates the molecular mechanisms of heart failure and arrhythmia. Sam had not actively engaged in art, since she was 14, however in 2016 when Sam met Sophie, that was all about to change. Sophie McKay Knight (Instagram: @studiosophie2016; @paintingthetarot) is a visual artist, who back in 2016, started the Chrysalis project which went on to win the Wellcome Image Awards in 2017. This project shone a light on some of the silent hurdles faced by women in science. This is where she met Sam. Sam explained that the term ‘women in science’ wasn’t a label that sat comfortably. Thus, in order to learn from each other Sam invited Sophie into her lab to see what her science is and that she’s more than a ‘woman in science’ but a scientist who happens to be a woman. Sophie was then able to meet and chat to the lab team, and see the variety and methods behind the research conducted in the lab. From here a friendship blossomed and they tried to keep in touch.