Amisha Gadani

Amisha Gadani is an adjunct assistant professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the Institute for Society and Genetics, and a faculty member at Art Center College of Design, where she teaches Animal Anatomy for Entertainment Design. She holds a B.F.A. in Fine Arts from Carnegie Mellon University (2007) and completed a study abroad at the Elam School of Art in Auckland, New Zealand. Her work bridges art and science, focusing on animal morphology and adaptations, biomimicry, and science communication. She has served as a senior artist at UCLA, producing scientific illustrations for research and journals, and has extensive experience in museum education and outreach through roles at the Exploratorium Museum and Helix by Exploratorium in Los Altos. Her artistic practice includes interactive installations inspired by animal defense mechanisms and deep-sea creatures, exhibited globally in venues like the Andy Warhol Museum and the Dumbo Arts Festival. Gadani’s interdisciplinary approach is evidenced by her participation in exhibitions, academic lectures, and collaborations with evolutionary biology labs.

Education:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) with Honors, Carnegie Mellon University (2007)
• Study Abroad, Elam School of Art, University of Auckland (2006)
• Course: The Fundamentals of Inquiry, Exploratorium Museum Teacher Institute (2014)

Research Interests: Amisha’s work explores unique animal morphologies, swarming behaviors, defense mechanisms, and deep-sea adaptations. Her art—such as the 'Defensive Dresses' series—translates biological principles into interactive wearable art. She also develops scientific illustrations for journals and conferences, emphasizing the intersection of art and science in education and public outreach.

Grants & Collaborations:

• Artist in Residence, Institute for Society and Genetics at UCLA (2011–2013)
• Alfaro Lab at UCLA (evolutionary biology collaborations)
• STUDIO for Creative Inquiry, Carnegie Mellon University (2010–2012)

Labs & Teams: Active in interdisciplinary teams at UCLA’s Institute for Society and Genetics and Art Center College of Design, where she integrates artistic and scientific methodologies into teaching and research.