Author Description

Genetic Reflections - A Coloring Book aims to inspire young students and the public to explore the beauty of science and genetics. The organisms in this book are considered 'model' organisms, as they are widely studied in laboratories with hopes to understand human biology, disease pathologies, and ways to improve agricultural crops. Despite the great differences in shape and size, on the genetic level there are lots of similarities. In every species, DNA sequences consist of the same four building blocks (G, C, A, and T). However, slight changes in their use, even in the same gene, can occur in each species. The way our bodies and cells work are well conserved throughout evolution, even in species that may look very different from us. The beauty of our world, even on the cellular level, is apparent. Genetic Reflections - A Coloring Book is a collaboration between Ahna Skop, Elif Kurt and Caitlin Marks; two UW-Madison undergraduate Skop Lab members. This coloring book is the outcome of a year-long independent study in Life Sciences Communication with goals to broadly disseminate the Genetic Reflections scientific glass art installation created by Angela Johnson and Ahna Skop. Part of the proceeds of this book will be donated to charities and programs that support STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) educational innovations or public outreach events.