Translating scientific research for international audiences

Digital strategies for science communication

Humans share much of their genetic makeup with model organisms like fish and microscopic worms, offering powerful insights into development, aging, and regeneration. An independent biomedical research lab on the coast of Maine has been studying this for the past 125 years. Working cross-departmentally with a small team, I translated the scientific research at the lab into clear, engaging stories and visuals, coordinated messaging across multiple digital channels, and supported impact reporting, fundraising, and media efforts that amplified key research.

primary role

digital communications specialist

time frame

2021-2023 (independent contractor 2023-2025)

skills

visual storytelling and design, fundraising support, project coordination, multi-channel digital content management

Science Outreach Campaign

Family Science Night is an annual traditional at MDI Biological Laboratory typically attended by a couple hundred people. The lab’s high school and undergraduate summer research fellows design hands-on activities to explain their biomedical research topics to visitors of all ages, including concepts like kidney function, microplastics and phytoplankton, and gene expression. I designed coordinated event materials to advertise Family Science Night on multiple platforms across the state, including print, radio, and social media. I also designed visitor-facing materials, such as the passport guiding exploration and engagement at the stations.

A selection of the assets I produced for Family Science Night including, clockwise from top, the passport (front cover, inside pages, and back cover), a social media post promoting the event, and a banner advertisement for a state news site.

Impact and Stewardship

Donors are integral to the lab’s success, and we celebrated their support with various stewardship collateral such as an impact report postcard, a five panel z-fold end-of-year card.

Video Storytelling

I produced various videos for the institution’s YouTube channel tailored to different audiences. These included a recruitment-oriented video highlighting graduate student research, a donor-focused short showcasing a new laser microscope, and an explanatory video introducing a newly launched lab-affiliated startup, MDI Bioscience. For these videos, I managed end-to-end video production, including interviews, filming, and editing. Note that some content was filmed by others.

Science for celebration

The lab celebrated its 125th anniversary while I was there and I had the opportunity to work with outside vendors to create various products. Left: A collaboration with a local brewing company led to a bespoke IPA with a specialty label and accompanying community events. Center: Lab-themed glassware and custom coasters for a donor event. Right: A small-batch coffee blend roasted by a local roasting company, with a photo I took and a label I designed. Left and center photos by Kevin Bennett Photography.