Meet Our Students

Click on our students’ names to learn more about them!

Class of 2027

+ Anthony Bortolin, B.Sc.

My high school art teacher was the first person to show me that illustration could be more than just a hobby; he helped me uncover a talent and passion I hadn’t realized I had. That foundation carried me through university, where I pursued science while continuing to create. When I discovered Biomedical Communications through a BMC animation shown in my molecular biology course, I realized I had found a field where my scientific training and artistic drive could finally intersect.

I completed my bachelor of science in human biology at the University of Toronto and worked as a clinical research assistant with Dr. Maryam Razaghi at Mount Sinai Hospital, studying the differences between donor milk and formula in infants at risk of supplementation. Beyond research, I designed participant completion certificates, engagement posters, and filmed an instructional video. My creative work for this research study further solidified my interest in creating visualizations to communicate science.

Now, as a MScBMC student, I am excited to expand my skills in visualization and explore new techniques and software under the guidance of the program’s accomplished faculty. I am particularly drawn to 3D modeling for the opportunity to create interactive structures that allow users to manipulate and explore complex biomedical concepts.

When I am not studying or creating art, you can find me on the ice playing hockey or on the golf course mastering my swing.

+ Sabrina Chen, B.Sc.

Instagram: @sabrinaspchen

LinkedIn: Sabrina Chen

During my time in the MScBMC program, I would like to continue building my illustration and visual storytelling skillset, and I am particularly excited to learn about interactive design. I want to explore its utility in making science accessible by helping generalist audiences access complex scientific knowledge so they can make the most informed decisions for themselves.

I majored in biology for health sciences and minored in biomedical communications at the University of Toronto. BMC piqued my interest in the design of interactive resources for medical communication. I incorporated art into my studies by taking courses at Sheridan College. I created visual aids to study for classes like anatomy and physiology. I pursued creative roles in science-focused clubs like the Erindale Biology Society and Science Communication Club.

Throughout university, I was challenged by the academic articles and complex visual aids I encountered. Through these challenges I saw the potential for using visuals in science communication to share scientific research with the public. I dedicated my undergraduate career to improving science communication efforts across UofT. I conducted research with Professors Christoph Richter, Jodie Jenkinson, and Sanja Hinic-Frlog to investigate undergraduate UTM Biology students’ visual literacy skills, experiences using visual aids, and explore alternative ways of visually communicating complex biology topics.

I was involved with Erindale Biology Society for three years in design and advertising roles. As Advertising Director, I spearheaded efforts to increase accessibility of the club’s Instagram page. I was also an illustrator for the Science Communication Club, which produced accessible media for the public on emerging STEM topics. Through my club experiences, I gained practical skills in visually communicating science and storytelling.

While at BMC, I hope to hone my visual communication skillset and explore the potentials of biomedical visual communication with the support of faculty and my peers.

+ Allan Chung, B.Sc., B.Sc.N.

Instagram: @jialunart

LinkedIn: Allan Chung

Bluesky: @jialunart

Working as a nurse, I frequently educated patients on managing symptoms, recovering after therapy and knowing when to seek emergency care. To support their understanding, I often supplemented conversations with brochures and figures, ensuring they could remain informed and engaged in their treatment. This experience helped me recognize the power of clear visual communication and how bridging the gap between complex science and accessible education can improve patient outcomes while fostering greater scientific literacy.

I first studied life science at McMaster University, where I learned the theoretical side of science. Post-grad, I studied nursing at Nipissing University, which allowed me to apply this knowledge in clinical settings. I have had the privilege of caring for patients of all ages, from newborns to older adults, and learning the unique considerations that come with each stage of life. In doing so, I developed strong communication skills while collaborating with patients, clinicians, and scientists, always mindful of barriers to care such as language, culture, identity, and socioeconomic factors.

My academic and clinical experiences complement the field of biomedical visualization and reinforced my determination to shift from being a consumer of art to a producer. My goal is to make science and medicine literacy and visualization accessible for everyone and explore how I can bring this to non-English speaking populations. I also want to find a way to intersect what got me into art–games, comics and animations–to make science engaging and entertaining.

In my free time, I am working to improve my French, Cantonese and Mandarin. Music is also a passion of mine, as I play the erhu and guitar, and I hope to learn new instruments, singing and composition. And of course, games, especially turn-based RPGs, which inspire my appreciation for narrative, design and immersive storytelling.

+ Allison Conwell, B.A.

Instagram: @allies_digital_portfolio

Science museums have always intrigued me. Their ability to launch the viewer into complex scientific topics in a creative and immersive way always left a lasting impression. As a result, I began implementing my fine art and graphic design skill sets to enhance scientific communication in my classwork and independent research projects. Studying both biology and studio art with a focus in communication design at Skidmore College, I developed a strong foundation in information design and integrative biology. I bring these skills with me as I enter the Master of Science in Biomedical Communications at the University of Toronto.

My interest in using art and design to support scientific education led me to create my senior thesis exhibition, Through the Microscope. The goal of this work was to immerse viewers in the microscopic world by illustrating microbes at a larger-than-life scale. The exhibition featured 13 digital prints, each approximately 3.5 ft wide by 5 ft tall, as well as a four-panel microbe guide. This project gave me valuable experience in creating scientific illustrations aimed at a non-scientific audience. It challenged me to entice viewers to learn about the microbial world by creating an immersive environment similar to exhibitions within a science museum. After completing my installation, I gained insight into the needs of various audiences and how thoughtful design choices can make scientific content accessible and engaging.

Eye-catching and creative designs have the ability to stand out within a sea of information and leave a meaningful impact that improves scientific literacy. As a medical illustrator, I aim to bridge scientific communication with visual storytelling that welcomes diverse audiences. I look forward to continuing to develop my practice that brings curiosity and abstraction to scientific discovery.

+ Chloe Friesen, B.F.A.

Portfolio: www.chloefriesen.myportfolio.com

Instagram: @chloefriesen.art

As someone who has fostered a lifelong passion for science and art, I am very excited to unite my love for both fields through a career in medical illustration. In 2024, I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Alberta in art and design. Through my artistic studies I developed accurate drawing skills with high attention to detail, as well as established strong visual problem-solving abilities. In my biology courses, I gained a great appreciation for the sciences and the vital role illustrations play in fostering learning and understanding. There were many instances where creating illustrations helped me to synthesize information, and communicate concepts to classmates.

Following graduation, I spent a year working as a veterinary assistant. This exposure to the veterinary industry further fueled my interest in biomedical communications, as I observed the practical application of illustrations. As such, I am particularly excited by the application of medical illustration in a healthcare setting. Looking forward, I am eager to contribute to this field through the creation of high-quality visuals that support advancements in medicine, healthcare, and wherever else there is a need.

+ Heidi Herbawi, B.A.

Instagram: @heidis_illustrations

LinkedIn: Heidi Herbawi

I am a fourth-generation scientist-artist whose family immigrated to the United States from Leipzig, Germany, a city closely tied to the history of medical illustration.

As a graduate student in the biomedical communications (BMC) program, I am advancing my skills in 3D-animation and digital sculpting to address communication challenges in patient education and biomedical publishing. My interests include surgical illustration, infographic design, and storytelling, with a focus on creating visuals that make complex scientific concepts more accessible.

I completed my undergraduate degree in scientific illustration at Arcadia University, graduating with a 4.0 GPA. During this time, I developed my senior thesis, Strigiformes: Anatomy, Adaptations, and Behavior, in collaboration with the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia. Through direct observation of museum and cadaveric owl specimens provided by ornithology collections manager Dr. Nate Rice, I explored how owl morphology shapes behavior. The project integrated natural history and anatomical visualization to engage audiences ranging from the general public to avian specialists.

Following graduation, I transitioned into laboratory research at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the lab of Dr. Leonard Guarente, where I contributed to research on dysferlinopathy in limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.

My long-term goal is to advance education in women’s health and the natural world, particularly in areas that remain underresearched or underrepresented. This includes endometriosis, menopause and postpartum health. By creating visuals that clarify biological mechanisms, symptoms, and treatments, I hope to support both patient education and clinical understanding.

Beyond academia, I enjoy traveling while documenting and illustrating Aves. My other avocations are baking, gardening, figure skating, bird-watching, running, and cooking.

+ Sarah Ching Lam Kung, B.Sc.

Instagram: @artbyskcl

Freshly graduated with First Class Honours in anatomical sciences from the University of Dundee, I am thrilled to dive right into the MScBMC program, driven by a deep appreciation for the beauty and intricacies of human anatomy. My fascination with anatomy lies in its enduring complexity—despite centuries of study, research continues to reveal novel insights which advance the medical field. In this context, visual communication plays a vital role in transforming research data into accessible knowledge for both medical professionals and laypeople. I aspire to become a vital piece of the puzzle—ensuring that new scientific and medical discoveries are not only seen, but also understood and applied to improve lives.

My commitment to academic excellence naturally led me to develop an interest in optimising learning and teaching methods in medical education. I experienced first-hand the importance of visualisations in describing and explaining anatomy. This inspired my undergraduate honours thesis Beyond Visual Accuracy–The Role of Realism Across Learning Contexts in which I examined how varying levels of realism in anatomical illustrations may help or hinder students in different learning modes. This project deepened my research skills, as well as my conviction that biomedical communication is the right path for me—not just as a visual communicator, but as a researcher and educator.

Through the MScBMC program, I aim not only to produce visually-striking work, but also to master design principles which maximise the didactic value of my visualisations. I am excited to hone my skills in illustration, 3D modelling and animation, as well as develop an eye for captivating graphic designs in order to serve my goal—to become a researcher and educator equipped with the powerful tools of visual communication, and see that new scientific and medical knowledge reaches a diverse set of audiences in a meaningful and impactful way.

Outside of BMC, I am most likely to be found on a volleyball court, at the gym, looking for new and fun things to do with friends around Toronto, or cheffing up my next delicious lunchbox to bring to class!

+ Yifeng (Yvonne) Ma, B.F.A.

Portfolio: Yifeng Ma

Instagram: @yvonne_art233

LinkedIn: Yvonne Ma

I was born and raised in Shanghai, China, and have since studied and lived in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. These experiences have shaped my perspective and strengthened my ability to learn from diverse cultures and ways of thinking. They also inspired my path as a medical illustrator—combining skills in both art and science to serve as a bridge for communication across disciplines and communities.

I graduated from the Art Center College of Design in August 2024 with a BFA in Illustration. After graduation, I worked as an IP designer at a game company in Shenzhen, where I specialized in digital design and painting, including character design, background art, and prop design. I have always been deeply interested in science and have studied it alongside my art training, building a foundation that complements my artistic skills.

As someone with international experience, I value communication not only through language but also through imagery and emotion. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the MScBMC program at the University of Toronto, where I look forward to advancing my knowledge in both science and art. My goal is to become a professional medical illustrator, collaborating across fields to create visual work that helps people better understand and communicate complex ideas.

+ Massa Mohamed Ali, B.Sc.

Website: Under construction

Instagram: @massastudios

LinkedIn: Massa Mohamed Ali

After earning my Bachelor of Science degree with a specialist in neuroscience and a minor in biology from the University of Toronto, I realized I didn’t want to limit myself to a single discipline. I wanted to bring all my skills—writing, research, communication, drawing, and painting—together into something purposeful, meaningful, and beneficial to others. This, along with launching my own art brand after graduating, led me to the Master of Science in Biomedical Communications program.

My goal is to bridge the gap between scientific research and the public by making science accessible to diverse audiences, countering misinformation, and empowering informed health decisions. From co-authoring a collection of books and writing scientific article summaries to interviewing world-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Wendy Suzuki, I have explored many ways of communicating science to spark curiosity and deepen understanding. I was particularly inspired after I created a comic explaining long-term potentiation during language learning in one of my writing courses in undergrad. I saw firsthand the impact of visual storytelling and simplifying complex neuroscience concepts for others in a fun yet informative way.

I was also inspired by the Life of a Neuron exhibit in New York City. This immersive experience provided visual explanations through 3D animations and interactive displays, summarizing decades of neuroscience research in an engaging and understandable way. It confirmed for me that while writing can clarify science, pairing it with visuals makes the message more memorable and impactful.

The MScBMC program offers the perfect opportunity to combine all my strengths, master new techniques, and explore creative ways to depict science. I am eager to use my skills to create scientifically accurate visual stories that resonate with others and inspire them to appreciate the beauty of science when it is communicated effectively.

+ Cynthia Pham, Hons. B.Sc.

Instagram: @cynitchiart

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cynthia-pham18

As someone who had always felt uncertain about my career aspirations due to fluctuating interests, discovering the BMC program at the end of my third year of undergraduate studies was pivotal.

While I’ve always found joy in both expressing my creativity through drawing and learning about the natural world, I chose to prioritize the sciences and pursued my studies at the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Science, double majoring in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Animal Physiology.

My fascination with animals initially led me to prepare for a career in veterinary medicine. With three years of experience as a veterinary assistant, I had the privilege of observing various surgeries and meeting countless wonderful companion animals. However, I frequently noticed communication challenges in the clinic, particularly due to the surge of new pet owners during the COVID-19 pandemic, where client education gaps often created a disconnect that a practitioner couldn’t fully bridge alone. Reflecting on this, I found myself drawn less to veterinary practice and more to the idea of enhancing understanding through visual communication. This realization deepened during my role within UHN’s Centre for Mental Health, where I became increasingly aware of the need for effective patient education to bridge communication gaps. Motivated to revisit my creative roots, I embarked on my journey to become a medical illustrator and scientific communicator.

I am thrilled to join the BMC program, where a supportive community of amazing faculty and talented peers fosters an environment for growth and learning. My current interests include visual storytelling to make healthcare information more accessible, enhancing patient education, and promoting diversity in medical illustration. I’m especially excited to explore areas like 2D and 3D animation, graphic medicine, and interactive media, developing skills that will allow me to engage diverse audiences through compelling, accessible, and inclusive visuals.

+ Vanessa Recine, B.Sc.

Instagram: @valeitta

LinkedIn: Vanessa Recine

As a graduate student in the MScBMC program, I aim to develop and refine my skills in 3D animation and interactive media design. Using these skills, I hope to partner with educational institutions, studios, hospitals, and health organizations to produce visual tools for both student and patient education. Additionally, I believe in the power of graphic medicine to share the emotional and psychological impacts that illness can have on our lives. I want to use my illustration and visual storytelling skills to create comics that spread awareness about disease, make others suffering in silence feel heard, and connect us to one another.

Before coming to BMC, I studied human biology and psychology at the University of Toronto. While there, I thought deeply about what I wanted in life. I saw myself teaching science rather than doing it. I saw myself creating artwork that is purposeful and influential in some way. I saw myself helping others, but I was unsure of the avenue to take to do this. I often wondered how I could incorporate all these aspirations into my life. It wasn’t until a spontaneous Google search one day that I discovered the MScBMC program. Looking at several of the students’ portfolios, I thought, “Bingo.”

I hadn’t realized up until that moment and onward how incredibly important visuals are for teaching scientific concepts. I thought about the classes I took—anatomy, embryology, genetics, biochemistry, cellular biology—and how I’d have been lost without pictures and diagrams. I also thought about times that these visuals failed to serve their purpose and made me confused. It is through these experiences that I have come to understand that successful comprehension of a scientific illustration heavily depends on accuracy, aesthetics, and readability.

Ultimately, I decided to enter the field of visual science communication because of my desire to use art to impact others—to educate them, make them think, reflect, or feel something. I am excited to bring this vision to life while working alongside a talented group of aspiring biomedical communicators.

+ Chenxuan Tao, B.Sc.

Instagram: @chenx_art

LinkedIn: Chenxuan Tao

I completed my bachelor of science at Beijing Sports University where I majored in sport rehabilitation.

As an undergraduate student, I was attracted to and learned from multiple English-language diagrams and clinical graphics. Unfortunately, there weren't many, or current, medical visualization resources in China. What inspired me to become a biomedical illustrator is the passion and drive to improve this situation.

Through my program's clinical placements, I worked with professors in my program and medical professionals in the National Institute of Sports Medicine to create graphics as part of the therapeutic process to engage patients in their own critical rehabilitation. This is where I saw that communication and patient education are key for well-being and optimal patient outcomes–and that visualization is the most effective tool to achieve that goal.

I am excited to be part of the MScBMC Class of 2027. Currently, my academic interest is focussed on both interactive design and communication graphics. I’m also interested in art history, zoological and botanical art.

+ Joanna Tien, B.Sc.

Instagram: @tienj.studio

I graduated from the University of Guelph with a major in zoology and a minor in computing and information science. On my journey here, I had to read many scientific articles, and this I often found difficult, boring, and time consuming. One day, I had the opportunity to create a media piece to highlight a research article’s findings for one of my projects. While working on this project, I realized that this was both a fun and difficult challenge. To me, visual graphics are so much more engaging, easier to understand, and more memorable than pages and pages of scientific writing. This, alongside an extra-curricular activity in presenting short scientific lectures to young children, showed me that effectively communicating scientific knowledge was extremely rewarding but achieving is not at all as simple as I thought it would be.

I am excited to learn 3D animation skills, storytelling skills, and how to convey detailed information accurately in an accessible manner. I hope to use these skills gained in the MScBMC program to create storytelling pieces that inspire interest and wonder in the natural world and communicate medical knowledge to improve people’s quality of life.

In my spare time I love sketching, reading novels, and watching anime and documentaries. If I’m not indoors, I am probably outside looking for birds to photograph.

+ Kevin Trinh, B.Sc.

Instagram: @kvn.scrblz

I graduated from University of Toronto with an honours bachelor of science in biology for health sciences, and a double-minor in chemistry and biomedical communications. Although my undergraduate education focused on the sciences, my interest in the arts manifested in my studies as it felt intuitive to draw and use diagrams to conceptualize the study material. Additionally, I was given a glimpse of the MScBMC program and its curriculum through the biomedical communications (HSC) minor.

During my undergraduate studies, I explored and tinkered with a range of design software programs within the HSC courses. Most importantly, these courses deepened my understanding of intentional design choices and their impact on the target audience, particularly with accessibility and comprehension of the content. With this newfound knowledge, I found myself applying these concepts outside academia. As Vice-President of Marketing for the UTM Vietnamese Student Association, I experimented with the club’s event advertisements and educational posts focusing my attention on resonating with our community and captivating cultural newcomers. This increased attendance at club events and increased traffic on the club’s social platforms.

After graduating and while preparing my BMC application, I worked at Fossil where I designed an infographic to teach sales associates how to change a watch battery which was recognized and shared with other stores within the district. Both experiences made me realize that when information is presented clearly and is tailored to the intended demographic, it enhances audience comprehension and reception. The satisfaction of creating the infographics in these instances affirmed my decision to pursue the MScBMC program and the rest was history.

Now that I am a BMC student, I feel like I have come full circle. I am excited to venture into research while exploring graphic medicine and 3D animation! I hope to continue to refine my abilities to create effective visuals that communicate, educate, and connect with a diverse audience alongside my amazing cohort.

+ Sabrina Viloria Medina, B.Sc.

Instagram: @sabi.sciart

LinkedIn: Sabrina Viloria

My journey into biomedical communications began long before I joined the MScBMC program. Visual problem-solving has been a constant in my academic and creative experiences, shaping how I learn and communicate with others. This was a quality that my high school art teacher pointed out when I showed her the fascinating mechanisms of virus reproduction that I had drawn in my biology class. My early instinct to transform complex concepts into approachable stories eventually led her to introduce me to this innovative field, a path that I have pursued ever since.

While completing my BSc in biology at McMaster University, I was drawn to a wide range of topics spanning physiology, genetics, virology, and plant science. My academic experience solidified my foundation in science, while sparking my curiosity about how knowledge is effectively shared and understood.

Outside the classroom, I found opportunities to explore my abilities as a visual storyteller. As graphic designer for The Meducator, McMaster’s open-access Health Science Journal, I created infographics and illustrations that made emerging scientific research accessible and exciting to a wider student audience. A particularly meaningful project was The Body Issue, a separate publication to the journal made to highlight the underrepresentation of marginalized communities in medical illustration–a topic I am deeply passionate about.

As Chief Marketing Officer for the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) club, I managed design, social media, and promotion of our yearly conference, and outreach campaigns to support women pursuing careers in STEM. These experiences further proved to me how collaborative goals in design and communication can amplify voices, spark conversation, target misinformation, and build community.

Now, as a student in the MScBMC program, I am excited to refine my skills in design, illustration, and emerging communication technologies while continuing to explore how creativity and clear visuals can shape the future of science communication and understanding.

+ Simin (Amanda) Wang, B.Sc.

Instagram: @simin.sees

Communication: The transmission of information between individuals. But as I’ve also come to understand, a crucial skill that can connect concepts and bridge together communities to foster greater strides in scientific research and the world as a whole.

I graduated from the University of Toronto with an honours bachelor of science, where I majored in biology for health sciences, and minored in biomedical communications and computer science. During the completion of my undergraduate degree, I witnessed firsthand the inaccessibility of scientific information, as brilliant and lifechanging discoveries were kept hidden behind layers of technical jargon and boring design. Through tutoring and study sessions, I sought to find ways to share knowledge with my peers, and in so doing, bring people together with our shared understanding of the subject matter. Particularly, my propensity for drawing diagrams for my own understanding aided me, and I learned the value of using cartoon graphics to simplify concepts into more palatable forms.

From there, I discovered the biomedical communications minor, where I learned various visualization techniques to further my communication goals. It also opened the door for me to MScBMC, where I am eager to continue learning and forever grateful for the opportunity to do so. Due to my combined interest in computer science and scientific communication, I love the idea of innovating on current visualization technologies, especially with the focus on digital media in current times. Be it through data visualizations, 3D models, or the design of interactive media, I look forward to experimenting on the points of connection between the two disciplines.

In combination with all of the above, I also have a passion for storytelling, as I enjoy spending my free time crafting adventures with my friends in DnD and other TTRPGs. When I’m not thinking up new ideas, I love diving into the creative and colourful worlds of other talented minds through reading books, watching shows, and playing video games.

+ Laura Wu, B.Sc., M.Sc.

Instagram: @wulaurart

LinkedIn: Laura Wu MSc

ONE of my strongest beliefs is that art is an instinctive element of human nature, threading itself into the fabric of storytelling, the building blocks of education, and the history of civilization. The intersection of visual communication with science, then, also comes naturally – especially to me, given the direction it has shaped my career during my quest for knowledge.

TWO academic degrees completed at McGill University – an MSc in experimental medicine, investigating the relationship between obesity, cancer, and the immune system in Dr. Daniela Quail’s lab; and a BSc in anatomy and cell biology, with an undergraduate NSERC project focusing on the role of interneurons in memory in Dr. Sylvain Williams’ lab – enabled me to hone a comprehensive set of skills encompassing critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and rigorous research. Here, it became obvious to me that the clear dissemination of novel concepts and scientific data using written words and visual aids is paramount to both successful teaching and learning, through textbooks, journal articles, or presentations, or during lab meetings, seminars, and conferences.

THREE additional opportunities strengthened my passion for visual communication. I currently work as a senior editorial assistant for a continuing medical education company, with firsthand knowledge of how educational programs are produced, and how outcomes and unmet needs spanning multiple therapeutic areas highlight significant knowledge deficits among clinicians. Previously, during my graduate degree at McGill, I edited journal articles and illustrated several covers for issues of the McGill Journal of Medicine, which provided insight on the delivery of scientific discoveries to various target audiences. Lastly, I created multipurpose illustrations for a non-profit organization to adapt to distinct narrative needs related to fostering intergenerational connections among vulnerable communities.

FOR now, though, I don several hats: a scientist. An artist. A traveler. An enjoyer of books, movies, TV shows, crafts, martial arts, and Pilates. The list goes on, but my goals are simple: to use visual tools to shrink gaps in scientific communication and to allow for a smoother flow of information and understanding. (Flexing my creative muscles is a bonus!) I am eager to develop new skills and learn as much as I can in the BMC program, and specifically, I’d like to explore 3D media and interactive design as a method of education.

+ Angela Yuan, B.Sc., B.Ed.

Instagram: @yuangela.visuals

As a former high school biology/visual arts teacher and a current MScBMC graduate student, I aim to dismantle scientific illiteracy and student apathy through 3D animation, graphic medicine, and interactive design. My goal is to create scientific educational resources that facilitate inquiry-based learning through interactive media, and to ultimately excite students about science.

My journey into pedagogical research and instructional design first began during my undergraduate biology and education studies at Queen’s University. Throughout 2021-2022, I collaborated with Dr. Eric Dumont to design interactive modules for an online undergraduate psychedelics course. We focused on how visual aids and gamification could increase intrinsic motivation and reduce cognitive load. I created a virtual board game to incentivize friendly competition between peers, a self-assessment quiz to identify knowledge gaps, and numerous illustrations to support text-heavy reading. Later in 2023, I worked with Dr. Leslie MacKenzie to create anatomical comics to simplify and visualize the somatic sensory pathway. My storytelling and metaphors helped students to re-interpret neurological concepts to real-world scenarios, ultimately making the information more memorable and meaningful.

Throughout my 2+ years of professional teaching and creating instructional designs, I have often noticed that students struggle to fully engage with learning material due to the dry yet daunting nature of scientific jargon. It is this ongoing observation of different learners that drives my passion towards optimizing science communication for all. Whether I am in the classroom, or behind the scenes creating educational tools, I’ve found that students succeed the most with media they can relate to and actively interact with. I believe that a strong narrative and immersive engagement is key to maximizing a student’s curiosity, retention, and comprehension.

Apart from my fixations in pedagogy and scientific communication, you can find me scrapbooking, collecting funky earrings, or creating live watercolour portraits at weddings!