The program that Jack built

Illustration: Jamie Hefley, senior, biological and premedical illustration

From a global pandemic to climate change, there’s a lot to communicate about science right now. Perfect timing for the newly established Dr. Harry (Jack) and Cecilia A. Horner Biological and Premedical Illustration Excellence Fund.

“How we communicate can make a huge difference to science and health literacy,” says Kim Moss, professor of art and visual culture and coordinator of Iowa State’s biological and premedical illustration program. “Medical illustrators transform complex information into visual images, making content more accessible for audiences.”

In the mid-1970s, Harry “Jack” Horner, University Professor emeritus, developed the BPMI program while helping a student create an independent major. That student later became the top illustrator at a well-known medical school, and the program took off from there.

“Jack has always been committed to student growth and to the potential of this niche major,” says Moss. “His gift will help us keep pace with new discoveries in science and equip students with the latest optics, specimens and technology.”

Iowa State’s BPMI program, a rigorous curriculum of science and art, is one of the longest running programs of its type in the nation. Fewer than a dozen such programs exist in the U.S. Graduates go on to pursue master’s degrees in medical illustration or go directly to work for museums, botanical gardens, textbook companies and other organizations.

“Visual communication transcends languages and borders,” Moss says. “Communicating the most important part of science through art is essential in our global society.”   

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