Pediatric Rheumatology Online Journal

Vol 2, No. 3   2004

http://www.pedrheumonlinejournal.org

 

Biography

 

     I, Anna Genin, was born in Kiev, Ukraine, former Soviet Union. My father, Don Genin, was an assistant professor in Kiev Medical School. My mother, Sofia Genin, worked as a pathologist in a clinical diagnostic lab. I also have a younger brother, Ilia. Both my parents majored in biology and are nature lovers. They taught me to appreciate the beauty of the Earth.

    I graduated from Kiev Medical School and began work in the Infectious Disease and Epidemiology Research Institute as a researcher. My post doctorate thesis was related to enzyme studies during acute and chronic hepatitis.

    I was married by that time and had two sons.

    I immigrated to the United States in 1991. My decision was made for two reasons. First, I was trying to save my children from the aftermath of the explosion in Chernobyl in 1986, which ruined the environment in my region. Second, I wanted to give my two sons better opportunities for education and freedom.

    After my arrival in Philadelphia, I studied language and began working as a volunteer in a molecular biology lab at Einstein Hospital. From 1993 to the present, I have been working at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, first in Molecular Genetics, then in the Rheumatology division.

    I have been interested in art since my childhood. I did a lot of drawing and painting, and also studied art back in my home country. I also studied art here, at the Fleisher Art Memorial and in the Academy of Fine Arts. I have had one solo show in 1997 at the Old City Gallery, and I continuously exhibit my work at different group shows.

    I love my research, and I cannot stop painting. I am trying to fulfill these two passions.

 

Anna Genin  

 

Artist Statement

We are all surrounded by the intrinsic masterpieces of nature. 
Their beauty touches me. It saddens me.
Is it because of their fragility? Or is it because we are only nature's
temporary guests?
I go to an old neglected park. I listen to the birdsong...smell the
grass...see images in the creek water...feel the light breeze caress my
skin...
I am overwhelmed by feelings...I start to hear a melody...
I hurry back to catch the moment. I start to play the melody to myself;
nobody hears me.
I try to express my feelings originally, in my own way.
I work hard...I feel happy when I find the way.
But oh, how much happier I become when you can hear my music too!