Suffolk Reporter

School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) Dean Paul Shepson recognized student artist Norah Allam for her octopus mural at the November faculty/staff meeting. The mural, painted in the Endeavor Hall lobby, was a collaboration with the Campus Beautification Committee (CBC) completed last spring. Allam's parents, SoMAS professors Bassem Allam and Emmanuelle Pales Espinosa, were present along with other staff members.

Shepson praised Allam’s dedication to the project: “As most of you are aware, I’m here every single Sunday. I’ve worked every Sunday of my life since 1982. And for like three months, she’s sitting in a chair or standing in front of that wall, doing what to me is pointillism, with a marker, for hours and hours, for several months. The result is just fantastic, and I know mom and dad are proud. We’re just here to say thank you for what you did to brighten our world, Norah!”

CBC President Mitch Trinka presented Allam with a commemorative plaque and stated: “This work is truly an emblem of how you all are more than just scientists, right? You’re technologists and poets and artists. And you know that that bears the truth right there on the wall for everybody to see as they come in this building. You’re such a dynamic group and we’re so happy Norah was able to accomplish her tremendous work of art for you all … and all of us.”

BME Assistant Professor Mei Lin Chan visited Endeavor Hall to view her student’s work for the first time in person. “It looks even better in person. It’s amazingly detailed,” she said. Chan recalled when Allam expressed interest in creating art while managing a double major as a sophomore studying BME and applied mathematics and statistics (AMS), with a minor in art.

Chan noted that this project aligns with 'STEAM' initiatives she promotes: ArtXSTEM and ArtXBME.