Exotic and endangered species are of special interest to Olga Barmina as a biologist and as an artist.

For the former, she is a staff research associate in the Section of Evolution and Ecology, where she studies the mechanisms of animal development. For the latter, she uses finely ground glass to depict such species as the Bengal tiger.

Recently, her tiger piece titled The Eyes took first place in the kiln formed glass category of Delphi Stained Glass Supplies' 17th annual online art contest. The prize? Glass supplies, naturally.

The Eyes, 12 inches wide by 6 inches high, is crafted from frit, or crushed glass. During firing in a kiln, the glass undergoes drastic changes in quality and appearance -- in this case bringing out the tiger's coloring of bold oranges, reds and yellows.

"Glass in general is a wonderful medium," Barmina said. "I love the vibrant colors, smooth textures and depth. Frit painting also has an element of surprise in it. You never know what exactly your piece will look like until it is fired."

Other species depicted in her artwork: lion, owl, jaguar, penguin and zebra.

Barmina studies and teaches at the Craft Center on campus, taking classes in art and other media, and teaching classes in metalsmithing, enameling and metal clay.

She said she hopes to exhibit and auction her work and donate some of the proceeds to wildlife protection.

She received an M.S. in chemistry from St. Petersburg State University in 1993, and she has worked at UC Davis for almost six years.

More information on the Craft Center is available online, through the Department of Campus Recreation, campusrecreation.ucdavis.edu.