The building blocks of belonging

By Kaelin Ryczek

The hallways of the Bateman Physical Sciences Center at Arizona State University are often quiet, characterized by the hum of laboratory equipment and the focused silence of students hunched over chemistry homework.

But if you stop near the study areas by the chemistry labs, you might stumble upon a "hidden treasure" that challenges the traditionally cold nature of scientific spaces.

Mounted on the walls on each floor of the building are mixed-media mosaics, each roughly 4 feet long and 3 feet wide. At first glance, they appear as a sophisticated nod to molecular architecture, a collection of hexagons framed by maroon and gold concrete and periodic table elements. However, a closer look reveals a vibrant celebration of human identity. 

The School of Molecular Sciences Mosaic Project was sparked by a seed grant from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences centered on belonging and community. John Hendrickson, a teaching professor who has spent 20 years with the School of Molecular Sciences, envisioned a project that would physically manifest the school's commitment to inclusivity.

"What do I hope people feel?" said Hendrickson, whose academic work focuses on science communication and the reciprocal relationship between science and society. "That they belong in science, that they belong in chemistry, that they belong in this scientific community that's made up of all the people who do the work and make the work possible."

"The natural sciences thrive when people with different experiences, perspectives and ideas come together to ask questions and pursue discovery,” said Kenro Kusumi, senior vice provost, dean and professor in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “The College remains committed to creating pathways for all of our students to engage in scientific inquiry while contributing to research that serves communities within Arizona and beyond. We strengthen both our scientific enterprise and our ability to address complex challenges when we find ways to include those who strive to make positive change.”

The project, spearheaded by the School of Molecular Sciences’ MOSAIC (Mentoring, Opportunities, Support and Inclusiveness in Chemistry) committee, uses 500 4-inch hexagonal tiles. This shape was chosen specifically to represent the "benzene ring," a fundamental building block in chemistry. The outreach was intentionally broad:

• Global reach: 200 tiles were mailed to remote and online students worldwide, ensuring that those far from Tempe still had a permanent place on campus walls.
• Intergenerational connection: Participants included campus-based students, faculty, staff, and even retirees from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
• Middle and high schools: Local students contributed tiles to bridge the gap between early education and the university scientific community.

The mosaics are a masterclass in symbolic design. The frames themselves are a blend of wood, metal, and 3D-printed features, representing how different elements with unique strengths can work in harmony toward a common goal.

Embedded within the mosaics are:

• Nucleic acid models: 3D-printed wood tiles featuring ball-and-stick models of nucleic acids, a "chemistry is in our DNA" tribute.
• Molecular messages: Black, shiny 3D-printed tiles that read "You belong here" and "The Mosaic Project."
• Scientific spacers: Decorative blocks in the frame designed to look like elements from the periodic table, complete with atomic numbers and symbols.

While the technical details are impressive, the heart of the project lies in the colored Sharpie-drawn designs. One tile traces a geographical journey from GSU to ASU to Napaaqtugmiut, Alaska, while blending chemistry iconography with musical measures. Another features a butterfly with the phrase "vuela sin miedo" (fly without fear). 

Some participants used the tiles to speak directly to their peers. One reads: "My path to chemistry has been long and winding, but I am here to stay." Another connects a cactus, a lightbulb and a heart with the message: "Chemistry is all about the connections."

For science students who don't consider themselves "artistic," Hendrickson offers a reminder that art, like science, is about communication: "Anytime you create something that takes up space, this is your piece of you that you’re offering to the world."

Students and visitors are encouraged to find all five mosaics. Each contains a QR code tile that links to a website detailing the project's history and the locations of the other pieces.

"What makes the School of Molecular Sciences special is its people," said Tijana Rajh, professor and director of the School of Molecular Sciences. "These mosaics celebrate the many journeys, perspectives and experiences that make up our community. I hope everyone who passes them sees a reflection of themselves and a reminder that they belong here."

As these mosaics remain a permanent fixture at ASU, they serve as a constant, colorful reminder: In the sciences, every individual is a vital, irreplaceable part of the whole.