St. Jude visual artists bring research to life

Scientific discovery flows through St. Jude. To ensure these discoveries can be celebrated by everyone, from scientists and doctors to patients and families, visual science communicators capture the breakthroughs that occur daily at St. Jude. These communicators (who are illustrators, designers, and animators) artistically represent the beauty of science while maintaining accuracy. Their expertise bridges the information divide between scientific knowledge and community awareness by bringing complex scientific concepts to life.

St. Jude has multiple visual artists who work to bring the stories of the research enterprise to broader audiences. “We all have differences in what we do and where we came from,” explains Madison Newton-Rice, MS, Manager of Visual Arts, Scientific Communication. “But at our core, we all took this route for the same reason: we realized there was something missing in science that we have a talent for.”

These artists collaborate with researchers to ensure the science behind each discovery is accurately conveyed to the wider world.

“We usually have either a science or art background,” said Zhaowen (Norman) Luo, MS, Scientific Visualization Engineer, Department of Structural Biology. “Importantly, however, we also have a passion for the other part so that our expertise unites both science and art.”

Visual science communicators dive deep into research. This means understanding the literature and scientific context for that discovery. The artwork created helps the public understand what something is, and also why it matters.

“I love the adventure of the research, getting curious, going down rabbit holes, and building a base of knowledge that improves the artwork,” said AnnElizabeth White, MS, Medical Illustrator, Medical Content Outreach. “Projects can be exciting and fun, and those are the ones that stick with you, that you stay up late working on.”

High-impact visuals for high-impact research

Once these artists understand the science behind what they’re trying to convey, they begin the artistic process. They sketch and draw. They experiment, rearrange and delete.

“I try to think of different ways to articulate science, to give it a different visual meaning for each project,” said Leena Xaypanya, Graphic Designer, Scientific Communication.

As these artists scribble, thumbnail and storyboard, the vision comes together as lines get cleaner, colors come alive and depth builds.

“For illustrations, I start with five or six rough sketches, then decide the direction which makes the most sense visually and scientifically,” said Briana Williams, Graphic Designer, Scientific Communication. “From there I research concepts and assets to include, figure out color schemes and work out lighting. There are multiple gears moving at once.”

From static illustrations to full-scale animations, artists build visuals that bring St. Jude research to life. They leverage software to show molecules in motion, designing everything from posters to 3D models.

“I get immersed in the artwork, almost like an actor becoming a character,” said Newton-Rice. “It feels great when it comes together and becomes a tangible object that has impact and looks beautiful.”

Scientific visuals bridge the gap from scientist to the public, and from doctor to patient — turning complexity into clarity.

“We try to define our audience as clearly as possible early on, because it dictates what the work looks like, how much information to include or omit,” said Luo. “It's arguably the most important aspect.”

High-impact research requires high-impact visuals. At St. Jude, the expertise behind every illustration, graphic, booklet, magazine and report means researchers can rest assured their work is being translated accurately and beautifully to every audience.

“What we provide to our partners is part of a chain reaction,” said Xaypanya. “Our goal is to enable researchers and clinicians to communicate their work, which helps St. Jude in our mission and elevates the institution.”