A project in Diane Ullman's Entomology I class, gives students a chance to learn a lot about insects and even, perhaps, some life-changing facts about themselves.

Entomology I's approximately 65 students explore insects' roles in nature and culture. It's a diverse group; about half of the students are pursuing science majors, and half are arts and humanities majors, says Ullman.

In the short term, the hands-on class helps those who are more predisposed to pure science communicate their understanding in a new way. Conversely, it helps those more grounded in the arts to see that, indeed, they can "do" science and employ the right side of their brains to remember all those intimidating facts, Ullman says. "Once you draw the fact that an insect has three body parts, you don't have to memorize that fact anymore," she notes.

In the longterm, these sorts of projects -- which illustrate different ways students can apply their talents to achieve an outcome -- help students make more informed and confident career choices. "They can see all the different avenues where they can take the skills they have," Ullman says. "People who are successful are people who have creatively applied their skills. It's not just about being an artist or a scientist; there's a lot of fusion."

About 20 students chose the mural project, which shows the varied ecological systems in the vicinity of the campus, the plants and animals in the landscape and the insect -- from crop pests to livestock parasites -- associated with them. Other students in the class created textile art and ceramics.

Undergoing a metamorphosis Sarina Jepsen, left, talks with student Alex Gray about how to put highlights in an insect’s eyes last month as Gray and others work on a wall-size mural in 158 Briggs Hall as part of an Entomology I final project.