Victoria Vesna

Victoria Vesna is a Professor in the Department of Design Media Arts at UCLA and Director of the Art|Sci Center within the School of the Arts and California Nanosystems Institute (CNSI). Her work bridges art, science, and technology, focusing on interdisciplinary collaboration and societal impact. She holds a PhD from the University of Wales (2000) and has exhibited globally, with over 30 solo exhibitions and 100 group shows. Key roles include Chair of Design Media Arts (1999–2006), Visiting Professor at Parsons School of Design (2009–2013), and Director of the UC Digital Arts Research Network (2000–2003).

Research interests span nanotechnology, climate change, plasma physics, and bioart. Notable projects include [SUN]Flower Plasma (2024), exploring solar energy and environmental symbiosis, and Noise Aquarium (2023), addressing marine pollution through sound installations. She has authored/edited over 30 books and papers, including Database Aesthetics (2007) and Context Providers (2010). Awards include the Eugen Weber Teaching Award (2014) and the Cine Golden Eagle (1988).

Vesna’s labs and initiatives, like the Art|Sci Center, foster cross-disciplinary innovation. Recent work addresses quantum biology, decolonial AI, and the intersection of art with climate science. Her teaching and mentorship span global collaborations, including courses at UCLA and Tsukuba University.