Louisiana Tech merges art and science in creative, practical ways with new bachelor’s degree

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Louisiana Tech University announced its newest degree program, merging the scientific field with visual communication.
Published: Jun. 6, 2025 at 11:23 AM CDT|Updated: Jun. 9, 2025 at 5:32 PM CDT
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RUSTON, La. (KNOE) - Louisiana Tech University announced its newest degree program, merging the scientific field with visual communication.

The new Bachelor of Science in Scientific Visual Communication is part of the Visual Integration of Science Through Art Center at Louisiana Tech. The visual scientific visual communication degree will prepare students for careers in medical illustration, scientific visualization, biomedical animation, and digital communication.

The Louisiana Board of Regents and the University of Louisiana System approved the new degree in December. It is scheduled to launch in the fall of 2025.

Students at Louisiana Tech have previously been able to minor in similar programs such as pre-medical illustration and scientific visualization. While those minors are still available, the new bachelor’s degree will allow students to focus even more on their interests in merging art with science.

Those interested in attending medical or dental schools can also take advantage of the new bachelor’s program.

“This new degree program not only solidifies a curriculum for these students, it also offers a concentration for premedical and predental students, making it that much easier for them to balance their commitment to both art and science,” said Dr. Jamie Newman, associate director of the VISTA Center.

An awards event was held at the start of June to recognize a decade of VISTA, which was celebrated with scholarships and the announcement of the school’s newest degree program.

The event featured student showcases, faculty-led tours of the VISTA Labs, and interactive exhibits highlighting work created by VISTA leaders and students.

“The evening truly captured the spirit of collaboration, creativity and community that defines the center’s mission,” said Professor Nick Bustamante, director of the VISTA Center.

Several scholarships were presented during the awards ceremony.

The Dr. Joseph and Charlotte Barron Endowed Scholarship was presented to Kaylee Davis for excellence in scientific illustration, and the newly established Jeanette and Justin Hinkley VISTA Scholarship was presented to Teagan Griffin for outstanding work in digital painting and client-based collaborations.

“I’m incredibly proud of the scholarships awarded to our students,” said Tom Futrell, director of design for the VISTA Center. “The support from our community has been truly inspiring. These students are blending science and art in ways that are not only creative but also deeply practical, opening doors to careers in scientific illustration, research-driven information design, and more.”

Recent projects by VISTA students include:

  • A full redesign of the History of Flight exhibit at Sci-Port Discovery Center in Shreveport
  • An illustrated children’s book for MedCamps of Louisiana to help young campers feel welcomed and confident
  • Interpretive signage along Ruston’s Rock Island Greenway that blends ecological data with engaging design to connect the public with local biodiversity and history

“Projects like the Greenway interpretive signage show just how powerful it can be when data and design come together to tell stories everyone can understand,” Futrell said.

The VISTA Center continues to look for new partnerships and collaboration opportunities. For more information, contact the center at vista@latech.edu.