Seeking the Natural Tie of Art and Science.

Artists and scientists have plenty in common: Both work in competitive fields that value creativity, ingenuity and results. But an artist is not a scientist, and vice versa -- unless you are Natalie Jeremijenko. Ms. Jeremijenko has degrees in fields that link biochemistry, physics, neuroscience and engineering. She directs the Environmental Health Clinic at New York University, crossing over into the art and computer science departments. But all that really matters when visiting ''Natalie Jeremijenko: Connected Environments'' at the Neuberger Museum of Art is how what is on view functions as art. There is a strong whiff of the science fair in Ms. Jeremijenko's work. She relies heavily on display and interaction. Her work fits into the art context mostly because of the rise of installation art, which rejects concentrating on one object in lieu of focusing on the relationships between things -- a rather science-friendly approach. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]