+ Ella Eberhardt

Website: Portfolio

Instagram: @eberh_ardt.png

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-eberhardt-1b3982226

“Hey, would you be interested in designing a poster for one of my PhD candidates?” - words I distinctly remember hearing after being cheeky and submitting an art piece as my final project in Dr. Heather Kharouba’s Conservation Biology class.

This experience kickstarted my thought process of “Oh! This is something I could do”. I then remember a coworker mentioned the Biomedical Communications MSc program at a staff lunch at a Mexican restaurant while working at Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada during an undergrad CO-OP position. It was like adding the final piece to the puzzle and I knew this is where I wanted to end up. I completed my BSc in Biology with a specialization in Ecology, Evolution and Animal Behaviour from the University of Ottawa. During this time, I worked in Dr. Gabriel Blouin-Demers lab working to collect turtle basking behaviour one summer and snake population density during another. I also completed my thesis under him asking the question; “Does urbanization impact the prevalence of defensive behaviour in redbelly (Storeria occipitomaculata) and eastern garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis)?” where I ran through fields for months collecting data and could not have enjoyed myself more.

With this background in field work, I ended up working for the Canadian Wildlife Service (ECCC) in the year I took to work on my BMC application. I had the joy of wading through Ontario marshes on the hunt for Blanding’s, Spotted and Snapping turtles.

Throughout my experiences I have gained transferable skills such as fluency in French and English as well as less transferable skills; I can proudly say that I can wrangle a 15lb snapping turtle! I am keen to learn everything I can about the biomedical communications field while finding ways to integrate my love for the outdoors. I am especially interested in understanding the powers of clear research communication.

Feel free to reach out, I would love to chat about anything from the intricacies of 3D modeling and its uses in modern medicine to plants and reptiles!

+ Grace Gibson

Website: www.gracecgibson.com

Instagram: @gracelia.art

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/grace-c-gibson

At the age of five I declared a goal that would foreshadow the state of my life 20 years on: I decided I would simultaneously become a farmer and a ballet dancer, alternating days in my career paths. Though neither of those passions lasted beyond the year, the spirit remains—I’ve never been able to abandon any of my interests, electing instead to combine them all into an interdisciplinary milieu. Delving into the intersection of art and science as a biomedical communicator slots perfectly into my life as a scientist, artist, and writer.

Originally hailing from New Jersey, I attended Elizabethtown College in central Pennsylvania to receive my bachelor's degree in English literature with a biology minor. I gained valuable experience as a scientist in Dr. Diane Bridge’s developmental biology lab, studying heat stress responses in two species of Hydra, but I ultimately determined that my intended career in medicine or biology was not the right choice for me. After deciding to instead pursue my skills in writing, my undergrad career culminated in a thesis project that combined all of my academic and personal interests, as I wrote and illustrated a 90-page graphic memoir—which, incidentally, would later form part of my BMC entrance portfolio.

Graduating from college in May 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic meant that my career path was uncertain for several years. After working a few odd jobs, including a stint as a freelance mural artist and sole proprietor of my own art business, Grace Gibson Artwork, I turned my attention to returning to school and reigniting my passions for art and science. I’m thrilled to be entering a field that excites me and combines some of my greatest lifelong interests, and I look forward to building a career that can help advance healthcare access and knowledge to the general public. After BMC, my current career goal is to work in patient outreach related to LGBTQ healthcare, helping members of my community access critical and life-saving care.

When I’m not busy with schoolwork, I enjoy reading fiction, oil painting, playing tabletop roleplaying games, learning about aviation, and listening to music.

+ Qingyue Guo

Instagram: @qiy_o_0

During my undergraduate studies in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia (UBC), I discovered my passion for translating scientific ideas into accessible visuals. From creating infographics and illustrations about microbes and diseases, I have found that visual elements not only enhance understanding and engagement but also adds aesthetic appeal.

One of my most rewarding experiences was working on a team project to redesign a website for UBC's Faculty of Medicine body donation program. My role involved transforming heartfelt narratives from donors and their families, as well as insights from medical students and faculty into illustrations, portraits and GIFs. Our team’s collaborative efforts resulted in a respectful and informative website design, providing empathetic guidance and support to potential donors and raising public awareness. This project deepened my appreciation for the power of human centered design.

My current interests are in storytelling through graphic medicine and media design. My goal is to develop these skills in biomedical communication with support from faculty and peers. I aspire to create visuals that bridge the gap between professionals and broader audiences, fostering understanding of biomedical topics globally.

+ Eve Higgins

Website: www.emhiggins.ca

Instagram: @eveningdraws

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/eve-higgins-335a5126b

My first step into an academic career focused on health research and communication during the completion of my BHSc (Hon) in biomedical sciences. Over the course of my degree, I relied on diagrams and videos to learn course content, which lead to prompted interest in scientific communication. My interest in scientific communication was solidified by my honours thesis with Dr. Jack Chu at the University of Calgary where I investigated the WNT signaling pathway in porcine induced pluripotent stem cells. While writing my thesis, and creating presentations, I created visuals to improve the communication of my research. Since my topic delved into complex molecular pathways and interactions, I had to understand my findings and the research methods at a high level to critically think about my data so that I could create well-rounded, accurate figures. As a result, I realized how large the disconnect was with presented data and its interpretation, both to lay audiences and academics, and the importance of visuals in presenting new ideas and research.

After graduation I spent time working as a research technician in in Dr. Derek McKay’s lab at the University of Calgary, studying the role of alternatively activated macrophages in inflammatory bowel disease. This position allowed me to compliment my molecular biology experience with additional training in immunology and gastrointestinal physiology, while providing me the opportunity to create published figures to conceptualize the lab’s research. In addition to creating these figures, I illustrated figures for a workbook studying pregnancy, parenting, and child development. Rather than developing figures for an academic audience, this project allowed me to create illustrations for patients and explore medical communications for a non-academic audience.

Together, these experiences have allowed me to transform raw data into visualizations which allow me to communicate scientific concepts in a way words cannot. With these experiences, my goal is to work in collaboration with medical researchers to help everyone access great science regardless of background.

+ Ravneet Jaura

Website: www.ravneetjaura.com

Instagram: @artby_reetu

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ravneetjaura

Upon graduating with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology for Health Science and Chemistry at the University of Toronto in 2019, I knew there was a missing part to my soul as I embarked on the next chapter in my life. I had left behind my artistic aspirations in high school and continued scientific research during undergrad. Post-graduation, I gained fascinating molecular biology wet lab skills under the supervision of Dr. Ho-Sung Rhee at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Our collaborative efforts led to the successful publication of the research investigating extended intergenic DNA and its contribution to neuron-specific expression of neighboring genes in the mammalian nervous system, published in 2022.

Despite feeling accomplished, I continued to nurture my passion for art as a hobby while advancing my career as a Scientist in Biology at Dalriada Drug Discovery in 2020. During this time, I experienced an internal struggle, feeling torn between my scientific work and my artistic calling. To reconcile this, I dedicated more time to drawing and discovered a growing interest in the MScBMC program. Eager to explore the field of medical illustration, I completed the 'Biomedical Visualization & Communication' (BMVC) program at the University of British Columbia while working full-time. Through the program’s capstone project, I gained a deeper understanding of interactive design, UX/UI research and design.

My increased self-confidence, and acquired knowledge from BMVC, encouraged me to voice my interest in science communication to my manager. I experienced a genuine sense of fulfillment in contributing to my workplace through my artistic passions as I created a poster and interactive learning module, communicating contamination level 2 lab standards for the scientists. The experience of bringing a fresh perspective on how information was conveyed in the workplace, sparked the desire to dive deeper into science communication and make a meaningful impact on broader audiences.

Now, as a student in the MScBMC program, I am thrilled to be learning from the exceptional faculty and my talented peers. I truly feel like I am re-sparking my soul with all the knowledge and skills I am acquiring. I am particularly excited to develop a strong skill set in 3D animation and interactive design. Besides design knowledge, I aspire to explore the business side of freelancing as a medical illustrator. I have consistently strived to enhance my artistic skills, foster deeper connections and add more authenticity to my work over the last few years, which I would like to continue to carry towards in my medical illustrations.

Outside of all my career and school pursuits, I find joy in simple pleasures - sipping hot tea while listening to the rain, reading a self-development book or watching a K-drama. I enjoy practicing yoga, going on nature walks (specifically to catch the sunset) and meditating to stay grounded.

+ Winter Kraemer

Website: Portfolio

Instagram: @agent.of.rot

What is more rewarding than clearly communicating an idea? What could be more affirming than truly being heard?

I entered the field of biomedical communications to help serve the transgender and gender diverse community, one which is often underrepresented and as a result, misunderstood. There is a sore lack of resources for practitioners and patients when it comes to trans healthcare and I am motivated to use my skill set as an artist, scientist, and storyteller to improve the health and wellbeing of my community. My love of animals led me to study Animal Biology at the University of Guelph, where I intended to pursue veterinary medicine. My goals shifted as I discovered that post-secondary education has no shortage of communication gaps, many of which I was eager to bridge. I saw the Biomedical Communications program as a pathway to this progress and began working towards it in earnest through an array of courses and extracurriculars.

During my tenure as the president of SciArt club, I gained invaluable experience in team leadership, secured grants for sustainability initiatives, and fostered community involvement. In an effort to improve accessibility in research, I took on projects for animal welfare, entomology, and anthropology laboratories. This work honed my skills in clarifying research findings and making science more accessible to a lay audience.

My position as an artist-in-residence in the lab of Dr. John Barta at the Ontario Veterinary College was some of my most fulfilling work. Having taken his parasitology course, I recognized a gap in the availability of the course material, alongside surprisingly sparse digital resources. With a combination of his expertise and my experience in the course, I illustrated life cycles for over thirty groups of parasites, keeping accessibility at the forefront of my design process. The result was a more comprehensive, approachable learning tool with improved outcomes for veterinary and undergraduate students.

I find the intersection of art and science endlessly inspiring, both for the creative problem-solving it requires and the connections it fosters. My current research interests include the use of graphic medicine for patient and practitioner education, natural illustration for identification of endangered species, and improving accessibility of veterinary medicine research.

+ Shanghar Roy Kulananthan

Website: Portfolio

I am currently an MScBMC student in the class of 2T6. I completed my Bachelor of Science degree at University of Toronto (double major in Biology and Human Biology, with a minor in Physiology), and then pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Radiation Sciences at the Michener Institute of Applied Health. I was attracted to the field of medical imaging due to the integration of technology and science and its practical uses in our lives. Working as a front-line X-ray/CT technologist in the Emergency Department for over 8 years, I learned a lot and gained a greater appreciation for the importance of using various methods of effective communication as a tool to convey medical information to patients, their families, and other healthcare staff. My journey continued from there, as I wanted to further explore the use of visual media in conveying scientific information. With that in mind, I joined the BMC program at UofT. I hope to use the skills and experiences I learn from the faculty and my peers in this program to forge productive and rewarding relationships with others in the medical illustration/animation community.

+ Athena Li

Instagram: @athe_nah_art (personal art) | @athna.stomosis (BMC creations)

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/athena-li-919b36329

Hello there! I’m Athena, aspiring biomedical communicator, born-and-raised in the suburbs of the GTA.

In a not-so-past life, I studied Health Sciences at McMaster University. As an undergraduate student, I dabbled in several fields of clinical and pedagogical research, including topics in psychosocial cancer care, undergraduate medical pedagogy, and anatomy education. Between these projects, I got the opportunity to involve myself in the research process in its entirety, from conceptualization to presentation. The challenges I encountered during these experiences introduced me to the nuances of scientific communication— particularly, the importance of elegant yet accurate story telling, as well as the unique power of visual representations of data.

Towards the end of my undergraduate studies, I stumbled into the world of anatomy education and took on various roles with McMaster’s Education Program in Anatomy. In the teaching and learning of anatomy, I encountered the various 2D and 3D translations of the human body and became fascinated by the interplay between illustrative design, practical implications for source material and audience, and educational efficacy outcomes.

In cumulation, I came to see visual scientific communication as an immensely empowering and thought-provoking tool for relaying complex information to targeted audiences. My current academic interests remain in pedagogy and educational knowledge translation for student and/or patient populations.

When I am not academically occupied, you can most likely find me climbing artificial rocks, drawing or crafting for fun, cafe-hoping with friends, or aggressively taking photos of life’s beautiful and mundane things (though I would not dare call myself a photographer).

+ Vicky Lin

Website: Portfolio

Instagram: @viyxlin

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lin-vicky

My introduction to scientific and biomedical communications started early on. Growing up in a working-class immigrant family, my parents’ long working hours often left me alone with only the stacks of thrifted books to keep me company. I always marveled at the intricate drawings in my illustrated encyclopedias and biology textbooks, captivated by how complex scientific concepts could be brought to life through the power of visuals. Through the countless hours my younger self spent poring over these pages, it spoke to me that this was what I wanted to do — to translate the complexities of science into visually accessible narratives.

This fascination grew during my undergraduate studies in Biology at McMaster University, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when I experienced first-hand the critical role of scientific communication in the dissemination, understanding and effectiveness of public health information and its recognition by the general populace. This inspired me to explore the way art and design can be used to enhance and influence how audiences interact with media, which led me to work for The Silhouette, McMaster University’s student-run campus newspaper, as a multimedia and communications coordinator. The opportunity to work closely with writers and editors to create diverse graphics and illustrations that captured the unique voices of my peers further instilled my passion for knowledge translation and thus, became a guiding force throughout my academic journey.

Since discovering the BMC program at the University of Toronto, I realized my passion for art and dedication to science were not mutually exclusive; in fact, they were perfectly aligned! I am excited to further develop my artistic toolbox and biomedical communication skills as part of the BMC family to hopefully inspire others about scientific topics through compelling works of visual media — just as I was inspired years ago.

+ Bridget Lu

Website: Portfolio

Instagram: @bridglu

To hone a skill to a high level is to "get it down to a science", or to "turn it into an art form". Whether the phrases are describing making macarons or mastering micro-pipetting, they imply a pursuit of elegance, mastery, and communication. This intersection between science and art has held my interest since high school, inspiring me to apply to the Biomedical Communications program.

I graduated from OCAD University with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts and a minor in illustration. My formal art training allows me to create and problem-solve across a wide range of media, from ceramics to 3D animation. During a comparative anatomy course, I met and worked closely with Dr. Stephen Tulk, a doctor, artist, anatomy professor, and former graduate of the BMC program. His guidance and experience fueled my desire to pursue a graduate degree in BMC, and a sketching field trip to U of T's anatomy division and Grant's museum solidified my plans to apply.

Since completing my undergraduate degree, I have worked as a technical illustrator at Quantum Valley Ideas Lab in Waterloo. My position requires me to visually communicate complex quantum science to shareholders, government, and the general public. I work directly with scientists and engineers to create graphics for papers, patents, and presentations. With each illustration, I further appreciate how important art is to science, especially in a field like physics where there are no concrete visualizations for most concepts. My boss, a physicist, always asked me to make my drawings "cooler" and "fancier", his way of saying that art can make people believe in something- even if that something is as small as an atom.

In the future, I hope to continue to hone my skills as an artist and scientific communicator, particularly to industry partners. I am interested in working with 3D modelling and animation to explore topics such as chronic pain and injury, and expand my skills as a graphic designer.

+ Jinny Moon

Website: Portfolio

Instagram: @jmoon.vis

My appreciation for storytelling—in all its forms, visual, verbal, or written—not only underpins my goals as an aspiring biomedical communicator but also led me to pursue this field from the start.

While completing my BSc in Anatomy & Cell Biology at McGill University, I quickly recognized that my most memorable classes had something in common: each professor was a skilled storyteller, weaving intricate concepts into approachable narratives that still managed to engage their students. This left a profound impression on me, fueling my own desire to explore the art of storytelling within science.

As Design Editor for The Tribune, a student-run news publication at McGill, I delved into storytelling through a journalistic lens, experiencing firsthand the nuanced process of writing, editing, and visually communicating narratives that resonate with readers. Each project solidified my commitment to bridging complex ideas with accessible, engaging visuals.

Beyond academia, my passion for storytelling and communication has been shaped by my favourite movies, music, and television, along with hands-on experience in UX research and usability testing. The prospect of creating visual stories that foster scientific literacy and bring clarity to topics in health and medicine is incredibly motivating. At BMC and beyond, I’m excited to refine my skills in illustration, 3D modeling, and animation, embracing both new and familiar mediums as I grow as a biomedical communicator.

+ Beverly Ng

Website: Portfolio

Instagram: @bng.visuals

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/beverly-ng-b30a8176

Science is often presented in ways that are difficult to understand, turning many people away—my past self included. As a scientific communicator, I aim to challenge the current narrative by translating data into engaging stories that excite, educate, and inspire curiosity.

I graduated from McMaster University in May 2023 with a BHSc in Biochemistry. Throughout my undergrad, I found the biochemical processes of the human body fascinating, pursuing studies in immunology and metabolism. I also experienced firsthand the complexity of these topics, which emphasized the need for clear and accessible educational resources, especially in fields with rapid research growth. My goal is to create media that translates breakthroughs in immunology, metabolism, and related pathologies into visually compelling, narrative-driven illustrations and animations.

I am grateful to be part of the MScBMC program and am excited to develop my skills in research and visual communication alongside my accomplished peers and professors.

In my free time, I enjoy reading a good book, playing with my cat, and snowboarding.

+ Josip Petrusa

Website: Portfolio

Instagram: @jpetrusavisuals

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/josip-petrusa

During my Honours Bachelor of Science (BSc) at McMaster University, I came to appreciate the key role clear communication plays in understanding and applying new concepts. In my biology research major, I found that many complex ideas were more effectively understood through the use of visuals. Additionally, pursuing a minor in English and Cultural Studies allowed me to explore diverse literature from different time periods and cultures, which deepened my understanding of how effective communication can make complex or novel ideas more accessible.

In my later undergraduate years, I grew interested in understanding how visuals could be used in education, particularly in science. In the Stone Laboratory at McMaster University, under the supervision of Dr. Jonathon Stone, I completed a research project which investigated the use of illustrations in teaching undergraduate students developmental biology concepts. This project involved the creation of various sets of illustrations depicting sea urchin larval development based on lab observations. Illustrations were presented to students through a randomized online survey to investigate their understanding of sea urchin larval development when presented with textual versus visual information. We demonstrated that on average, students showed higher levels of understanding when presented with visual information as opposed to textual information. Through this project, I gained a deeper understanding of the application of visuals in science education, as well as research in this field.

During my time in the MScBMC program, I look forward to learning new ways to represent complex scientific concepts visually. In particular, I am interested in exploring biomolecular visualization techniques; I hope to further explore how visuals might be applied to help students better understand concepts in the biomolecular sciences. In the future, I aspire to work on projects involving the creation of visuals for use in science education and plan to pursue further research in this field.

+ Cynthia Pham

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.

+ Raymond Zhang

During my four years of undergraduate studies in the health sciences at McMaster University, I explored various biomedical topics in my courses and thesis work, with a particular emphasis on immunology, biochemistry and cell biology. Visual aids played a crucial role in enhancing my understanding of complex scientific concepts, and this experience deepened my appreciation for the contributions of medical illustrators and science communicators. I am also grateful to have studied under professors and mentors who fostered creativity in my learning, encouraging the use of visual abstracts and scientific posters to convey intricate ideas.

Upon graduating in 2024, my deep-rooted passion for the visual arts, combined with a strong interest in the biological sciences, pushed me to pursue an MSc in Biomedical Communications. I am excited to further explore how the incorporation of visual storytelling in science communication can create impactful solutions and contribute to meaningful advancements in the field.

+ Kelsey Ying-xiao Zhao

I discovered the BMC program in the last year of my Health Science BSc at the University of Waterloo. I had been working towards a career in the health field and had never even considered that it could be combined with my lifelong love and affinity for art. So when BMC fell into my lap, I knew immediately that it was the right path.

I started putting my application to BMC together while working with Dr. Janice Eng and an incredible team of researchers, clinicians, and people with lived experience of spinal cord injury on the SCIRE Project. I developed evidence-based articles, videos, illustrations and infographics to help make the complicated research on spinal cord injury easy to understand. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I have also had opportunities to work on community-led Indigenous health research, 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy initiatives, and science communication projects. It has become clear to me that there is an immense gap between research and people/communities, and that the communication of knowledge to bridge that gap must be accurate, appropriate, transparent, and built on trust. I want to carry those qualities into my work as a visual artist and communicator.

I’m looking forward to diving into the world of medical illustration and building my skills under the mentorship of the talented faculty at BMC. Currently, I am interested in the educational and therapeutic applications of interactive media, as well as the potential for medical visualizations to improve access to healthcare for marginalized communities.

+ Cathy Zhou

Instagram: @czhou.illust

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cathy-zhou-127475242

I am an illustrator from Calgary, Alberta, and I pursued a bachelor’s degree as a specialist in Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Toronto. I had made the decision to move away from art entirely and only pursue sciences, but during my undergraduate degree, I found myself being drawn back towards illustration. As I wanted to reconcile what I learned in my degree with my growing passion towards the arts, the BMC program was perfect for me. It is such an honour to be working and learning among such talented faculty, staff, and group of classmates!

My research project specifically detailing the characterization of behavioural phenotypes in patient derived mouse models with GRIN Disorder. I realized that it was difficult to fully explain my research in just words while I was writing my final thesis. Especially because the disorder specifically affected children, manifesting as a rare disease, I found it especially important to properly communicate findings so the parents of these children could easily understand our findings. I am particularly interested in visualizing and communicating vital information about pharmacology and toxicology because it is essential for everyone, including the general public, other scientists, and investors to fully understand drugs effects and targets, and the topic can be somewhat difficult to explain using just words. My passion is to better communicate pharmacological concepts to the general public.

In my free time, I love video games, books, movies, and animated series! You can find me tabling at markets and conventions, selling fan art and originals alike.