Recognition and Exhibitions:
25 Years of Ancient Art
When Science Meets the Spotlight
What began as a personal fascination with Jurassic Park has evolved into something far beyond what I ever imagined. Over the past 25 years, my amber photography has gained recognition from scientific institutions, major media outlets, and museums across the country. Each opportunity has been both humbling and exciting—proof that the intersection of art and science resonates with people in ways I never expected.
National Science Foundation Recognition
One of my proudest moments came when the National Science Foundation recognized our work in their prestigious Scientific Visualization Competition. My wife Linda Nye won top honors in 2008, validating years of technical innovation and artistic vision. This recognition from the scientific community confirmed that these images weren’t just beautiful—they were contributing to scientific understanding and education.
Television and Media Coverage
NBC San Diego Features
The media attention began somewhat unexpectedly when NBC San Diego discovered my work. What started as a short segment quickly grew into something much bigger. The initial broadcast generated such an overwhelmingly positive response that NBC ran an extended feature on their “San Diego Insider” show, re-airing it multiple times over six weeks.
The segment struck a chord with viewers who were fascinated by the idea that such incredible detail could be preserved for millions of years. Suddenly, my microscopic subjects were appearing on television screens across San Diego, introducing countless people to the wonders hidden in amber.
Museum Exhibitions
San Diego Natural History Museum – Best of Nature Photography Show (2012)
Being selected for the prestigious Best of Nature Photography Show at the San Diego Natural History Museum marked a significant milestone. Out of 1,284 entries from photographers around the world, my “Mosquito in Amber” print was chosen for exhibition. The show ran from January 9, 2012, through May 13, 2012, in the Ordover Gallery, where visitors could experience the intersection of art and paleontology firsthand.
The curatorial letter noted how my work represented “dramatic insects trapped in amber” alongside “sublime landscapes” and “whimsical wildlife images”—placing my ancient subjects among the very best of contemporary nature photography.
Exploration Place Museum, Wichita, Kansas
My work traveled to the Exploration Place Museum in Wichita as part of their “Bridging Art & Science” exhibition. This show demonstrated how scientific photography could transcend its documentary purpose to become genuine art, inspiring visitors to see the beauty in scientific discovery.
University of Connecticut Innovation Partnership Building
Most recently, I donated a collection of my amber images to UConn, where they’re permanently displayed in the Innovation Partnership Building. This feels particularly meaningful—having my work in an institution dedicated to innovation and partnership seems perfect for images that bridge the gap between ancient life and modern technology.
Additional Exhibition at Innovation Partnership Building
In February 2024, UConn’s Innovation Partnership Building unveiled “Celebrating Microscopy,” a captivating temporary art exhibit featuring my extraordinary collection of microscopy images. The exhibition showcased insects preserved in amber, literally frozen in time, offering guests a unique celebration of art and science on the building’s third floor.
Published Works
“Dead Bugs and Poetry” – A Creative Collaboration
One of my most rewarding projects has been collaborating with poet Kimberly Knox on our book “Dead Bugs and Poetry,” available on Amazon. This unique publication pairs my microscopic photography with Kimberly’s evocative poetry, creating an artistic dialogue between visual and literary art. The book represents something entirely new—using ancient amber specimens as inspiration for contemporary creative expression.
Smithsonian Magazine Recognition
9th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest
My work gained national attention when selected for the 9th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest. Both my mosquito and wasp images were featured in their “Altered Images” and “People” categories respectively, bringing my photography to the Smithsonian’s vast readership and establishing my work within the broader context of scientific photography.
The Ongoing Journey
Each of these opportunities has reinforced my belief that there’s something universally compelling about these ancient windows into prehistoric life. Whether it’s a television audience, museum visitors, or readers of poetry, people are drawn to the idea that we can literally see into the distant past with such clarity and detail.
These recognitions have also connected me with fellow scientists, artists, and educators who share this passion for making science accessible and beautiful. From E.O. Wilson to George Poinar, sharing these images with hundreds of colleagues and friends has created a community around this unique intersection of paleontology and art.
What’s Next
The recent collaboration with AI to identify long-mysterious specimens represents just the latest chapter in this ongoing story. As technology continues to evolve, I’m excited to see what new discoveries and opportunities await. After 25 years, I’m still finding new ways to share the wonder of these ancient worlds—and people are still responding with the same amazement I felt when I first looked through a microscope at an insect preserved in amber millions of years ago.
The journey from Jurassic Park fan to nationally recognized photographer has been more rewarding than I ever imagined. Each exhibition, each media feature, each new discovery reminds me why I fell in love with this work in the first place—and why it continues to captivate audiences around the world.
.