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Documentary filmmaker Jane Nisselson has used her residency in the Oregon State University Libraries to build the foundation of a film project documenting the importance of scientific model making to researchers past, present and future.

According to Nisselson, the project — a feature-length film which she hopes to have completed in two years — is not meant to be a scientific history of model-making, per se. Rather, she hopes for the documentary to answer two primary questions: 1) Is science a visual process as opposed to a purely mathematical pursuit? 2) Looking forward, how might molecular modeling evolve as new molecules are designed for use in all types of endeavors, both commercial and academic.
— The Pauling Blog

Filmed segment:

Raw footage of a selection of Linus Pauling's molecular models. Intended to convey the aesthetic quality of the structure and materials of scientific models engineered at Cal Tech. Pauling, "the Einstein of chemistry" was a 2 times Nobel prize winning scientist. Filmed at the Helen and Linus Pauling Papers at the Special Collections, University Libraries, Oregon State University.

Cinematography:

Marcus Burnett and Eric Edwards. Music: Pat Irwin. Special thanks to Cliff Mead.

Distinction: Resident Scholar program research grant