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Artist: Marguerita Hagan
Researcher: Dr. Medini Annavajhala
Science subject: Infectious Diseases
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Laser etched glass, wood, gold leaf, activated motorized base
2026
This interactive work explores the interconnectedness of microbial life within our bodies and across the built and natural environments around us. Dr. Medini Annavajhala’s research examines the relationships among bacteria, fungi, and viruses, including how these microbial communities move through the human microbiome, built environments, and the natural world. Artist Marguerita Hagan’s work similarly explores the interdependence of living systems, drawing attention to the diverse microscopic and macroscopic life forms that connect ecosystems.
Together, their perspectives take shape through two overlapping layers of glass arranged in the Seed of Life, an ancient sacred geometric symbol associated with the interconnectedness of life, balance, unity, and harmony. The front layer represents the bacterial, fungal, and viral communities that surround us in everyday life. Three overlapping circles illustrate the interactions among these different microbial groups. Behind it, a second glass layer represents the environments these microbes inhabit, from the animal and human body, including our gut and skin, to built spaces and the natural world.
Visitors are invited to activate the piece using a push button that rotates the two glass layers in opposite directions. As the patterns continually align, overlap, and shift, the work offers a visual and tactile way to consider the movement of microbes between people and places, and the complex relationships connecting forms of life that are often invisible but with which we are intrinsically linked.
Marguerita and Medini developed the concept and design of the work together, combining their artistic and scientific perspectives throughout the process. As the piece moved from idea to installation, each took the lead in areas that aligned with their expertise. Marguerita guided the physical fabrication of the work, coordinating with outside specialists to source materials and translate the design onto glass. Medini led the development of the interactive system that allows visitors to control the motorized rotation of the piece. The result reflects a truly collaborative process, with the underlying concept shaped jointly and the execution brought to life through their complementary skills in art, science, design, and technology.
Artist: Marguerita Hagan
Marguerita Hagan is a ceramicist based in Philadelphia and activist for mutually thriving, sustainable communities and environments. Her practice shines light on interdependence and inclusivity individually and collectively.
Hagan brings to light the beauty and engineering of our planet’s diverse ecosystems and our powerful role as stewards as if our lives depend on it because they do. Her intricate ceramic magnifies the wonder and respect for the fragile, diverse life with which our lives are intrinsically linked. Her projects include collaborations with scientists and communities and her work is in collections and exhibitions nationally and internationally.
Researcher: Medini Annavajhala
I have always been in awe of, and inspired by, what microorganisms can do to and for us humans. As a microbiologist and engineer, I study pathogens that cause infectious diseases as they travel through human and environmental microbiomes.
My lab uses wastewater and other environmental samples to track pathogens in hospital systems and city sewer systems, understand how microbes interact with each other in the environment, and develop ways to detect new disease-causing strains.
My experience with art has ranged throughout my life from at-home crafting to semi-formal instruction in various media; I am excited to revisit my love for artistic expression and marry it with my newer love of science!