Infected for Science Sydney Halpern 9781637790991

While World War II was still raging, David Miller and a group of conscientious objectors volunteered for US government-sponsored experiments that deliberately exposed them to hepatitis. As study subjects, they endured invasive procedures, the specter of debilitating illness, and a growing awareness of the human costs of dangerous medical research.

Based on Miller's vivid cartoons and other historical documents, Infected for Science brings this hidden history to life with artwork by Trygve Faste and a deeply researched narrative by Sydney Halpern. Together they capture the toll of the experiments and the men's decision to voice principled objections to medical studies with people who had not willingly consented.

With bold visuals and gripping storytelling, Infected for Science uncovers a forgotten chapter in American medicine and raises questions about research ethics that resonate today. This powerful graphic narrative explores patriotism, protest, and the moral courage of those who chose to put themselves in harm's way for what they believe is right.

Sydney Halpern is a historical sociologist whose work shines a light on the moral dilemmas at the heart of medical science. After years of publishing in academic venues, she found it exhilarating to craft scenes and dialogue and to collaborate with an artist in creating graphic narrative. She is Professor Emerita at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Lecturer in Medical Education at the Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University. She lives in Chicago.

Trygve Faste is an artist and designer whose work explores the connection between human invention and the natural world. His art has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and his design career includes projects with WET Design, IDEO, and FakeSpace, Inc. Now Associate Professor at the University of Oregon, he teaches product design and sketching. He lives in Eugene.

"A meticulously researched work of graphic medicine and historical journalism that is shocking, enlightening, and uplifting."

-Brian Fies, author of Mom's Cancer

"Infected for Science is an ingenious, entertaining, and timely way to communicate the importance integrating the goals of science and human rights, not only in a national emergency like a world war but in the constant need to advance human knowledge for the common good."

-Jonathan D. Moreno, author of The Body Politic: The Battle Over Science in America

"This comic within a comic creatively documents how vulnerable individuals have been used, and sometimes, misused, as research subjects to investigate debilitating diseases. It adds to better-known histories like Tuskegee and Willowbrook while revealing their complexity."

-Michael J. Green, coauthor of Graphic Medicine Manifesto