Wonders of Immunology – Student Art Competition

LJI is a scientific research institute in San Diego where creative researchers and staff come together to solve big problems in the immune system. Scientists here study diseases such as COVID-19, Ebola, Alzheimer’s, type 1 diabetes, cancers, asthma, allergies and much more.

This art competition is a chance for local students to celebrate immune system research and to inspire others to see the beauty in science! Students may enter a work of art that represents any aspect of health or medical research. LJI staff are happy to work with educators in the sciences or arts who would like to incorporate the competition into their lesson plans. We welcome entries using any visual media, including digital art, sculpture and photography.

The 2024 competition is currently closed. See past winners below.

Past winners

Lestyk's acrylic painting, titled "Lost in the Shower of Autonomy," shows a person taking a shower to seek relief from a painful medical condition. Lestyk uses orange tones to convey the idea of pain or inflammation in the figure's chest area, which contrasts with the blue tones of the shower environment. The background shows a grid of blue tiles.

“Lost in the Shower of Autonomy,” by Zoey Lestyk

2024 competition winners:

Senior Immunologist category – ages 14 to 18

  • First place: Zoey Lestyk, Westview High School
  • Second place: Victoria Li, Francis Parker School
  • Third place: Grayson Alvarado, Mira Mesa High School

View the 2024 winning pieces

2023 competition winners:

Junior Immunologist category – ages 10 to 13

  • First place: Elisa “Isa” Asnani, High Tech Explorer Point Loma
  • Second place: Eleanor Boster, Albert Einstein Middle School
  • Third place: Amrin B., Del Sur Elementary

Senior Immunologist category – ages 14 to 18

  • First place: Judy Kang, Westview High School
  • Second place: Aspen Cotton, Westview High School
  • Third place: Keira Casey, Sage Creek High School

View the 2023 winning pieces

2022 competition winners:

  • First place: Jennifer Hu, Canyon Crest Academy
  • Second place: Neshama Reed, IDEA Center High School
  • Third place: Kelly Dai, Canyon Crest Academy
  • Runner up: Sofia Nielsen, Notre Dame Academy

View the 2022 winning pieces

2021 competition winners:

  • First place: Elzie-Joy Arinduque, West Hills High School
  • Second place: Andrew Huynh, West Hills High School
  • Third place: Ariyah Mast, Patrick Henry High School
  • Runners up: Sophie Duan, Westview High School; Alexa Aguilar, Granite Hills High School

View the 2021 winning pieces

Frequently asked questions

Expand All

Art pieces will be judged by a panel of scientists and staff at La Jolla Institute for Immunology.

The judges assess the art on whether they find it visually intriguing, whether it shows artistic skill, and if there is a clear connection in the piece to health/medical research.

Yes, as long as the work was completed in the 2022-23 school year and there is a clear connection to health/science research.

No, only one piece is allowed per student.

What if my art piece is better viewed in real life (such as a sculpture, embroidery, etc)?

No problem! Email madeline@lji.org by May 25, 2024 to make arrangements to have your art piece picked up at your school. Your art piece will be returned to you by July 15, 2024.

No, unfortunately we do not have a separate category for group projects.