John Switzer

I am a former research biologist, my primary area of research was the conservation genetics of a wide variety of animal species, including fish, amphibians, and mammals. In graduate school I studied the phylogenetic systematics and phylogeography of a group of Percid fish, commonly called darters, that are endemic to Eastern North America. They are a fascinating group of fish, due to the diversity of morphologies and vibrant color patterns. I have always been interested in the intersection of art and biological research, particularly for communicating scientific findings. While in graduate school, I started to draw fish specimens for research purposes, but due to time constraints I shifted my efforts to photography. Many years later, I am now in a Masters of Arts in teaching program pursuing certification as a secondary biology educator. In my return to biological studies I have become very interested in ways to communicate biological concepts using artistic means. I am taking this course to return to my early scientific illustration efforts and become a more proficient artist, with the goal of using these skill for education and as a way to relax and meditate on the fascinating world of biology.