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The Catalyst
Exploring intersections between the Arts & Sciences at Smith


Living Fossils: The Science and History Behind Smith’s Ginkgo Trees
Gingko trees are the last remaining species of a primitive plant family, their existence dating back to 150-200 million years ago, when dinosaurs were still alive. Their long-lasting presence is reflective of their exceptional resilience – Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences notes their ability to survive in harsh environments, as well as their resistance to insects and disease. Gingko trees are native to East Asia, but their durability make
Nov 25, 20252 min read


Combating the Culture of no Culture
Hanging in the main common room of the Barresi Lab is a framed art piece—one that earned junior biology major Sophia Liu first place in an interlab art competition. The photo depicts two organic, almost celestial-like forms suspended in a field of black, floating as if in deep space. Green particles of stardust trace the contours of their bodies, while clouds of violet and ember-orange seem to glow from within. At first glance, the mesmerizing alien image could be mistaken fo
Nov 25, 20254 min read


Following the Foliage: How Leaves Change Color and Inspire Artistry at Smith
This shift in nature signifies the transition from summer to fall, and in regions like New England, it brings people from all over the world to see its beauty.
Nov 2, 20254 min read


Harvesting Paints: Creating Art from Northampton’s Landscape
Have you ever seen a beautiful blue hydrangea on the side of the road and wondered if you could make an ink of that exact color? Well, you can try– but according to Avery Maltz ’25 (he/him), that beautiful blue might turn out as a shade of green or yellow.
Apr 22, 20254 min read
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