David Tam: Mixing loves of science and art

		David Tam, associate professor of biology, bucks the stereotype for scientists, choosing to incorporate art and poetry into his life in addition to his appreciation of the world of scientific knowledge.

Common stereotypes of scientists don't usually portray them as artists. But David Tam, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, is very much in touch with his artistic side.

"It is possible to blend art with science," says Tam, who received bachelor's degrees in astrophysics, physics and computer science and a doctoral degree in physiology, all from the University of Minnesota.

A poet at heart, Tam uses the tools of language to compose poems about the biological processes of nature. He says he favors using metaphors because they not only allow him to capture his emotions, but they leave readers free to interpret the meaning of the poems in any way they want. Tam says he plans to incorporate his poetry into a novel.

"I'm an artist in literary art and visual art drawing as well as a scientist," says Tam. "The artistic side of me is well-integrated with science, because it allows me to be whoever I want to be freely and use both sides of my brain."

Tam previously worked as a suicide and crisis counselor for seven years, and he says the experience taught him to be a less judgmental person and develop his active listening skills. He describes the experience as an empowering and rewarding process.

"It's like working in an emergency room," Tam says. "There is no chance for error, and you really have to know what you are doing."

He says it takes special training and knowledge of human behavior to guide someone through the process of turning suicidal thoughts into an appreciation for life.

"[But] it works because they want to save their own life, not because of me," says Tam.

Tam's compassionate nature translates to the classroom, where his colleagues notice his devotion to helping others.

"David is a wonderfully caring teacher who works hard to help his students learn and understand," says Art Goven, chair of the Department of Biological Sciences. "He applies the same dedication and creativity in his lab, where his interdisciplinary research combines neurobiology, computer science and mathematics."

BY MAGAN HENDON inhouse@unt.edu

Other featured articles in this issue

• Inspirational speaker "Rudy" Ruettiger to visit UNT
• Regents raise board-designated tuition $6 per semester credit hour
• Tenure granted in one appealed case
• Defense bill funding of $3.1 million buys UNT two electron microscopes
• International Week at UNT starts April 4
• Project aims to preserve web information for posterity
• UNT to host annual Texas Higher Education Law Conference April 11-12
• April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
• Staff Council hears update on campus master plan, proposed child care center
• Work continues on UNT's Academic Plan
• Senate approves tenure appeals process resolution

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