#IAmNYAS: Danelle Marqui Brown
Science is inherently an interdisciplinary field. Meet a Member who is active in the movement to change STEM to STEAM by adding the Arts.
Published November 16, 2015
Meet Danelle Marqui Brown, Academy Member since 2012. As both a Creative Director and Historian of Science, Technology and Medicine, Danelle draws inspiration from the blending of multiple disciplines. Putting her passions into professional practice, Danelle is also the Founder and Director of By Mnemosyne, an interdisciplinary think tank with a mission focused on "redefining the fields of science, education and healthcare through mnemonic storytelling and the quintessential art of human connection."
In addition to wanting to know more about this Brooklyn-based entrepreneur's recent projects, we were excited to learn about Danelle's pathway towards integrating science into her artistic career. Read more below:
What project(s) have you been working on recently?
The Onassis Festival NY 2015 that took place on October 8th-11th. There I lead an interactive booth entitled, "True Mirror." I discussed the science of perception, the history of mirrors and the metaphysics of self-image. Later in October, I had an installation celebrating a documentary film whose star character is a young girl on a journey to become an astronaut.
And over the next two months, I will be writing the last of my graduate thesis for my degree concentrated on the history of science, technology and medicine.
Who has been your biggest science inspiration?
The arts have been my biggest science inspiration. I received my undergraduate degree in the arts back in 2004. The majority of my career has been in the arts. During the course of my studies and work, along with films, books and events that I came across throughout the years, my scientific curiosities began to bloom. It eventually inspired me to enhance my career and become a graduate student of the history of science, technology and medicine at the Harvard Extension School in 2012.
Honorary mention is also extended to my 8th grade science teacher, Mrs. Bell!
What kinds of things do you like to do in your spare time?
I absolutely love going to concerts and the ballet. I will travel the world to see a Pearl Jam show and especially love to experience dance performed to Tchaikovsky.
What's a fun fact about you that might surprise your friends or colleagues?
I was the captain of my high school's varsity football and competition cheerleading squad for three years.
Why did you become a Member of the New York Academy of Sciences?
I found myself attending a few panels at the Academy over the years. It helped me prepare as I began the pursuit of a graduate degree. When I began grad school in 2012, I wanted to make it official and become a member of the NYAS community.
Take a cue from Danelle and "make it official" for your favorite scientist this holiday season by giving them their very own Academy Membership. Give the Gift of Science today!
Read other #IAmNYAS profiles here.