That Rosemary Marusak finds beauty in science comes as no surprise to her students. It's one reason they like her and her classes in inorganic chemistry. An associate professor of chemistry, she sees the aesthetics-the symmetry and asymmetry, the compelling shapes-of molecules as representing the confluence of art and science.

"Science is actually filled with beautiful art," says Marusak, "and to appreciate science fully, you must appreciate that fact." So a spontaneous discussion of the artistic nature of iron ions, for example, is not unusual. Students expect it.

Such perception inspires the creative vision in scientific work, says Marusak. "To be truly successful in today's technologically advanced world, scientists must be able to witness the art within their own disciplines and become artists-creative in thought, design and construction, and writing," she explains.

Her success supports her philosophy. Marusak, who joined Kenyon's faculty in 1993, has won a Robert J. Tomsich Award for Excellence in Science from Kenyon, a National Institutes of Health postdoctoral research fellowship, and an American Institute of Chemists Regional Award, among other honors.