“I would like to work as a scientific illustrator.”

I am completing a Master of Science in Biomedical Communications (MScBMC). It’s a professional degree in the visual communication of science. We learn human anatomy with U of T medical students and also how to represent that knowledge visually with tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Maxon Cinema 4D.

I was born in Jonquière, Quebec and moved to Kelowna, BC when I was nine, and that’s where I call home now. I came to U of T because it is one of only five universities worldwide to offer an accredited program in medical illustration at the master’s level. I was won over by the course curriculum which mixes traditional and digital media instruction, the facilities and the availability of industry-standard equipment, and the scholarship and expertise offered by the MScBMC faculty.

This year alone, faculty organized and/or sponsored a student exchange with John Hopkins University, an “industry day” when representatives from local businesses meet students, a lecture series by alumni and other working professionals, and mini workshops on award applications, poster design, and end-of-semester art critique events.

After graduating I would like to work as a scientific illustrator and hope to continue working directly with academic researchers, creating illustrations for their manuscripts and presentations. I look forward to lending my support to science outreach and advocacy groups. For anyone interested in similar studies I would say if you are a visual person who loves science and is passionate about science communication I would encourage you to apply.