Bridging Science and Art: BSc Biomedical Sciences Student Zaafir Virmani Tackles Smoking Risks Through Exhibition

5 August 2025

What inspired you to choose your topic about the health risks associated with smoking?   

The reason I chose this topic is because despite the well-known consequences of smoking, it remains a major public health issue and is one of the leading causes of preventable disease and death. University life often seems to enhance smoking due to many factors including stress, social pressure, and peer influence. Many students experiment with smoking in social settings, using it as a way to bond, relieve stress, or fit in, often without considering the long-term consequences. The normalisation of social smoking, particularly during nights out or in communal spaces, reinforces this habit and ingrains it as part of student life. It is important to bring the consequences of this behaviour to attention in order to raise awareness, promote healthier choices, and ultimately reduce the long-term health risks associated with it. 

Why did you use an art exhibition as your chosen medium to engage the public with your topic? 

I feel as though art is a universal language that everyone can understand and connect to. Visual media has long been used to tell stories and convey information, yet science often leaves little room for creativity. Bridging these fields together was both exciting and meaningful, as it allowed for a fresh approach to science communication. Using art as an educational tool engages a broader audience, making scientific concepts easier to grasp. Moreover, traditional methods of learning, such as lectures and workshops, can become very monotonous for students and so learning through art can feel more immersive and engaging. Additionally, an exhibition provides a social space where people can come together in a relaxed environment, which encourages reflection and discussion. 

 

How did your academics and staff in general help you with your exhibition?  

My supervisor, Dr. Jennifer Randall, provided invaluable guidance and encouragement, and her enthusiasm for the project kept me motivated. Audrey Tan, the Head of Public Engagement, helped refine my ideas and offered expert advice on organising the event. However, the Biomedical Science Society was the most instrumental in making the exhibition a success. Their willingness to collaborate allowed me to secure a venue, promote the event through posters and social media, and set up the exhibition while engaging attendees effectively. Without their support, the exhibition wouldn’t have been possible.

If there was one thing you could share about the health risks of smoking, what would it be?   

If there’s one thing I could share about the health risks of smoking, it’s its impact on mental and cognitive health. Many students smoke to alleviate stress and deal with anxiety, however it is more damaging than beneficial. Chronic smoking also damages brain function, impairing memory, learning, and problem-solving by disrupting neural networks and synaptic activity. It accelerates brain shrinkage, particularly in the hippocampus, increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Additionally, smoking constricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain, which can impair cognitive function and raise the risk of stroke.

Lastly, do you have any reflections on your time here at Queen Mary?   

Ultimately, my experience at university the past 3 years—socially and academically—helped shape this project. The demanding nature of my degree often constrained my creative side, so I was excited to merge science and art in a meaningful way. I’ve always believed that pursuing a STEM degree or working in academia doesn’t mean creativity has to be left behind, and there’s so much more to science than just labs and lectures. By integrating creativity into scientific work, I believe we can foster deeper understanding, spark curiosity, and inspire others to see science from a new perspective. 

Interested in BSc Biomedical Sciences? 

Learn more about the BSc Biomedical Sciences programme at Queen Mary University of London, where students like Zaafir gain both academic excellence and opportunities to engage creatively with real-world scientific issues.