Life’s Spark and Comic Art: Unraveling the Origins of Life and Transforming Science Education

How did life emerge from nonliving matter? This profound question has baffled us for millennia. Scientists have taken up the challenge of solving this seemingly uncrackable puzzle. Me and my team at Notre Dame are trying to recreate the processes that would have led to life’s origin. I will share our recipe for creating life in a test-tube and show you how far we've gotten. Since ancient times, all societies have asked one question: ‘Where did we come from?’ By exploring our earliest origins, we seek to connect humanity and all life to its primordial molecular roots. Let there be Life!

Comics as a medium has emerged as a powerful tool for communicating complex historical narratives in an engaging and accessible way. It offers a unique space where artistic expression and academic inquiry converge, allowing ideas to be examined through both visual and textual lenses. This talk explores how comics can effectively teach science and the history of science, transforming traditional pedagogy into an immersive learning experience.