Maria Francesca Melis was commissioned to illustrate a story in USC Dornsife’s The Life Issue.The article explores how USC Dornsife researchers are tackling some of the planet’s biggest threats — from saving endangered species to preventing nuclear catastrophe — and delves into the challenges of conservation.
“For the illustrations, we focused on the contrast between destruction and rebirth. The spread is divided into two sides: one half depicts Los Alamos and the Manhattan Project, while the other shows nature reclaiming the land after catastrophe. To represent this renewal, we featured native plants and animals from the Los Alamos region, such as the Hoary Tansyaster, Brown-spined Pricklypear, Russian Olive, Western Harebell, Broad tailed Hummingbird, Coyote, Hoary Comma, Upright Prairie Coneflower, Perky Sue, and Many-flowered Stickseed. As a tribute to the native Pueblo communities, we designed a decorative border inspired by their natural motifs and traditional textile patterns.”“For the second illustration, we decided to focus on Coral IVF as a symbol of scientific hope and intervention in the face of climate driven reef collapse.”“The third illustration highlights the Native Island Fox, celebrating a rare and powerful conservation success story while hinting at the genetic challenges that remain even after recovery.”
