Eukaryon

This year, during the 21st Edition, changes have been implemented all throughout the organization. The effects of the pandemic, while reduced, remain to still be prevalent within our scientific journal. Regardless, the efforts of the editorial board and the executive board remain frivolous as we find ourselves returning back to a form of normalcy, and re-implement the mission of our journal.

For our art submission, artists were asked to design a cover that demonstrates Eukaryon’s theme for the 21st Edition–Decoding Life’s Blueprint. The beautiful piece of art you see on the cover of this edition not only captures the theme of the journal, but allows us to appreciate its symbolism of resilience and the calm after the storm, such as the pandemic, as we begin to grow Eukaryon once again.

The artwork that Eukaryon receives every year is truly exceptional, and this year was no different. Every submission was uniquely exquisite and did a wonderful job of portraying the expansions Eukaryon is trying to achieve. We wanted to take the chance to recognize the top finalists of the competition, and give them the opportunity to describe the inspiration behind each of their pieces.

Here is what each artist had to say:

“Afloat” By  Hridey Kapoor ‘25: Cover Artwork 

“Jellyfishes have always been fascinating to me because of their unique structure, long tentacles which they use to attack and defend, and their sensory systems (Rophalia) to sense light, water current, and gravity. They seem so calm and relaxed to me as they mostly follow where water currents take them but as it is with nature, its best to observe nature rather than trying to disturb it or it will fight back.” 

This picture was taken at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia an aquarium of Jellyfishes, and in particular the Pacific Sea Nettle (Chrysaora fuscescens), a species commonly found in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

  Artwork by Hridey Kapoor '25

“Immerse” By Shun Yuet, Chan Mac ‘25: Back Cover Artwork

“When in despair, euphoria, and at peace, always turn into the nature for spiritual inspirations and guidance. Muir Woods remind me that I am only human, small and visionary among the vast of universe.” 

The photograph was taken on the 22nd December in 2025, Muir Woods in the Northern California.

  Artwork by Shun Yuet, Chan Mac '25

“The Jumping Silver Hatchetfish” By Jeremy Levin ‘26

"This fluorescent microscopy image shows a superior lateral view of a silver hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sp.), a species known for its ability to perform ballistic jumps out of water. The fish has a deep, laterally compressed body with a narrow, blade-like ventral keel that likely aids in streamlining and lift during its powerful single-stroke jumps. The image highlights the distribution of the lateral line system, specifically the specialized hair cell-based sensory organs called neuromasts, which detect changes in water pressure and velocity. Bright fluorescent signals mark the presence of superficial neuromasts, which are exposed directly to the water and densely distributed across the dorsal surface of the head, along the back, and down the length of the ventral keel. In contrast, fewer but larger canal neuromasts are visible around the jaw. These are embedded within fluid-filled subdermal canals and are specialized for sensing broader pressure gradients and lower-frequency vibrations. The image demonstrates that superficial neuromasts are more numerous than canal neuromasts in silver hatchetfish, suggesting a sensory emphasis on detecting surface-level disturbances, an adaptation likely critical for initiating jumping behavior in response to environmental cues."

This photograph was taken in the Schwalbe Lab through a dissecting microscope.

  Artwork by Jeremy Levin '26

Additional Artwork Submitted to the Print Journal

   Artwork by Hridey Kapoor '25

  Artwork by Shun Yuet, Chan Mac '25