Students’ award-winning images capture art of Rowan research

Rylie Jacobs, a biomedical arts and visualization major, used pen and ink to bring life to a long-extinct animal. Scarlett McCourt, an honors geology major, revealed the stained-glass interior of a meteorite. Matthew Heras, a mechanical engineering master’s student, photographed a glowing mirror image he noticed while curing a 3D-printed resin structure. 

All three received up to $500 in prizes for their submissions to Rowan University’s inaugural Art of Rowan Research Contest.   

Launched in January to recognize students’ talent and creativity, the annual contest celebrates the artistry of scientific research and creative inquiry underway at Rowan. The free competition is open to all Rowan-affiliated students.   

The 2025 winners were honored during Rowan Research Day in March and will be featured in the next issue of Rowan Research magazine. 

First place

Jacobs’ illustration, “Pachycephalosaurus Wyomingensis,” was the result of an assignment for the course, “Introduction to Natural Science and Zoological Illustration,” taught by Professor Ethan Geehr. Jacobs selected a skull from the collection at The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. She researched images and articles about fossils and anatomy to figure out how to create an accurate representation of the late Cretaceous Period animal. 

Judges said her work was detailed, realistic and intricate, demonstrating skill in illustration. She earned the contest’s top prize: a $500 gift card. 

Second place

McCourt’s image, “Meteorite Mosaic - NWA 3118,” depicts high-pressure minerals within a Northwest African meteorite. She shaved a thin section from the meteorite, mounted it onto glass and then placed it under a microscope. 

Viewed at 4 to 10 times magnification and using cross-polarized light, the colors and textures tell a story about the meteorite’s composition, formation and thermal history. Her principal investigator is Harold Connolly, founding chair of Rowan University’s Geology Department.

Third place

Heras’ image, “Infinite Projections,” was captured with an iPhone in the lab of Behrad Koohbor, an associate professor of mechanical engineering. Judges appreciated the image’s sculptural form and use of color to create a mood and generate curiosity in the viewer.  

The Rowan community also selected two winners for the People’s Choice award: Dhruti Brahmbhatt for “Muscle Fiber Composition” and Courtney Hand for “Canine Skeleton Reconstruction.” Both received Rowan swag bags.  

Submissions for the next contest may be submitted now through Feb. 25, 2026. Entries may include microscopy, photographs taken in the lab or in the field, graphic illustrations or drawings. 

Winners will receive up to $500 for their entry. Submissions may be displayed on Rowan campuses or used in Rowan publications or websites. For complete rules and guidelines, visit go.rowan.edu/artofresearch