Paint brains is an artist and neuroscientist whose work lies at the intersection of science and art. Over a decade of experience in neuroscience research deeply influences her creative practice. Paint brains has worked with a range of model organisms (zebrafish, mice, and macaques monkeys) on diverse range of neuroscience projects from cellular to systems to computational.
Paint brain’s artworks predominantly feature the human nervous system, but her projects are not limited to painting brains. She also creates embroidered canvases depicting blood vessels and has painted numerous portraits of scientists. In her art, scientific themes are used as inspirations and are not always informational.
In addition to her artwork, paint brains is passionate about community engagement. She organizes annual STEM-themed group art exhibitions in Rhode Island and Maryland. Through her scientific research, artwork, and exhibitions, paint brains aims to inspire others to foster a deeper appreciation for science.
Research
Paint brains recieved her BS in neurobiology with a focus on computational neuroscience. She then recieved her PhD in a neuroscience program in the fall of 2025. Her doctoral research focused on understanding the development of the somatosensory (“touch”) system at different levels by integrating moelcular, cellular, and behavioral assays. By studying these circuits, we can get a glimpse of how neurons process information or form important neuronal networks.
Artist Statement
I paint brains while I study brains. As an artist and neuroscientist, my work is driven by a fascination with the nervous system. My work is rooted in SciArt (science art), where scientific themes serve as inspiration and may not necessarily be educational. I strive to create works that close the divide between the academic science world and the general public, making science more approachable and inspiring for everyone.
Art CV
Workshops and events
Upcoming:
Sunday, Dec 7. Science and Art: Bridging Two Creative Universes. American Society for Cell Biology. Philadelphia, PA (panel host)
Past:
11/2025 One page zine for a cause. DC Zinefest. Washington, DC (through Save Health Matters)
08/2025 Figure Drawing: An Introductory Workshop. Rhizome. Washington, DC.
07/2025 Petri Dish Drawings. Occipital. Rhizome. Washington, DC.
06/2025 Figure Drawing Workshop. Georgetown Neighborhood Library. Washington, DC.
04/2025 Figure Drawing: An Introductory Workshop. Rhizome. Washington, DC.
12/2024 Figure Drawing. Dwightmess. Silver Spring, MD.
11/2024 Science and Art Workshop. Fantom Comics. Washington, DC.
10/2024 Figure Drawing Workshop. DC Zinefest. Washington, DC.
05/2024-11/2024 Life Drawing. Fantom Comics. Washington, DC.
07/2017 Paint and Sip. Merlot’s Art. Washington, DC. (substitute instructor)
06/2017 Paint and Sip. Merlot’s Art. Washington, DC. (substitute instructor)
Group Exhibitions
Upcoming:
Nov 1 – Dec 13, 2025. STEM to Studio. Gallery ReImagined. Baltimore, MD
Dec 3 – Dec 21, 2025. STEAM Engine. Rhizome. Washington, DC.
Sept 20 – spring 2026. Community Collection 2.0. The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. Washington, DC.
2025 Scenes in the City. Plein Air Festival. Falls Church, VA
2025 Layers. Falls Church Arts. Falls Church, VA (Juror: Tricia Ratliffe)
2025 54th Annual Labor Day Art Show. Spanish Ballroom, Glen Echo Park. Bethesda, MD
2025 A Matter of Pride. Washington Studio School. Washington, DC (Juror: Michael Crossett)
2025 STEAM Room. Brown University. Providence, RI.
2025 You’re Fired. Glass Class Club. Washington, DC.
2025 Fun-A-Day. Rhizome. Washington, DC.
2024 STEAM Engine. Rhizome. Washington, DC.
2024 STEAM Room. Brown University. Providence, RI.
2024 Porter Day Gallery. Porter Building. Bethesda, MD.
2024 Fun-A-Day. Rhizome. Washington, DC.
2023 Brain Theory. The Village. Washington, DC.
2023 Shabbat Salon. Dwell. Washington, DC.
2023 Penthouse. Penthouse. Arlington, MD.
2023 STEAM Room. Brown University. Providence, RI.
2022 Art Neureau. Fremont Abbey. Seattle, WA.
2022 Gray Matters EWN Art Gallery. University of Washington. Seattle, WA.
2022 STEAM Room. Brown University. Providence, RI.
2021 Art Neureau. Fremont Abbey. Seattle, WA.
2021 Gray Matters Art Gallery. University of Washington. Seattle, WA.
2020 DC Street Sticker Expo. The Fridge. Washington, DC.
2018 Pancakes and Booze Art Show. Penn Social. Washington, DC.
2018 Art Neureau. Fremont Abbey. Seattle, WA.
2017 Shed Art. Bathtub Republic. Washington, DC.
2016 Pancake and Booze Art Show. Penn Social. Washington, DC.
2015 Art Neureau. Fremont Abbey. Seattle, WA.
Live Painting
Past:
05/2025 Art Battle Philadelphia. Spin. Philadelphia, PA
10/2023 Experimental Jam Session. Rhizome. Washington, DC.
08/2023 Shabbat Salon. Dwell. Washington, DC.
02/2018 Pancakes and Booze Art Show. Penn Social. Washington, DC.
07/2017 Shed Art. Bathtub Republic. Washington, DC.