Hunter Cole - Academic Career

Academic Career

Cole is often listed with other artists who create what is often referred to as bioart. Cole has taught both biology and art at Loyola University Chicago, the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin–Parkside. She joined the faculty in the Biology Department at Loyola University Chicago in the Fall 2004. Notedly, in 2001, Cole created a course, Biology through Art, first offered at University of Wisconsin–Parkside, where students have opportunities to create innovative artworks in a biology laboratory. Currently she teaches this course at Loyola University Chicago. Biology through Art helps students from all disciplines to think outside the box. This course focuses on several areas in the biological sciences from molecular biology to human anatomy. Students view microorganisms; use DNA as an artistic medium, create music based on DNA sequence, and see anatomy as art. Contemporary artists that use biological concepts and biological materials in their art are discussed.

Beginning Fall 2008 at Loyola University Chicago, Cole taught a new course she created titled, BioArt: Exploring Living Organisms through Art. The course focuses on art that incorporates living organisms. The course will also look at art that incorporates actual blood as a medium in the art. With her extensive laboratory experience, Cole brings a unique and challenging perspective to the world of biotechnology via art.