LAUREN I. HUEY
Design, science, and oysters
It takes grit to make a pearl.
My approach to science communication is much like the mighty oyster I studied in graduate school; while speaking to a faculty member or reading scientific literature, a fact or study will sneak into my mental space like a gritty grain of sand. Its persistence is slightly annoying as it pops into the forefront of my thoughts over the following days or weeks. But gradually, as with the making of a pearl, the rough idea starts to become refined. As I work it over, I smooth out the edges and add the details that make it shine. Please visit the Communication page of my website to view examples of my work.
PERSONAL PROFILE
I graduated with a master's in marine science in 2018 and began a job as a biomedical science communicator with George Mason University two weeks after defending. I love that I am always immersed in the hard science going on in the laboratories while also getting to be creative and interacting with the public. I believe that understanding the science makes me a more accurate and effective communicator. I am independent and detail-oriented with a good deal of patience for repetitive tasks. I hope to continue work as a science communicator and possibly return to the realm of environmental science.
EDUCATION
MS, VIRGINIA INSTITUTE OF MARINE SCIENCE, COLLEGE OF WILLIAM & MARY
I successfully defended a thesis titled "Reproductive Investment in Crassostrea virginica as an Indicator of a Tolerance Response to Perkinsus marinus" in July of 2018.
BS, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY, NEW BRUNSWICK
I graduated magna cum laude in 2015 from the marine sciences program with a concentration in biological oceanography.
WORK EXPERIENCE
SCIENCE WRITER, GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY (GMU)
I currently work at the Institute for Biohealth Innovation at GMU writing and designing materials to promote the activities of the ten research centers and 200+ faculty that fall under the umbrella of the Institute.
COMMISSIONED ILLUSTRATOR
I create digital assets, such as vector symbols and cartoons, that were scientifically accurate to be used by professors at various institutions in proposals, presentations and publications.
VIRGINIA SEA GRANT GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOW
I received a grant from Virginia Sea Grant to conduct my graduate research on oyster adaptation to disease. This fellowship also entails outreach commitments in addition to the research.
SKILLS
RESEARCH
I conducted my own research for five years. My comfort with basic scientific methods as well as high-level, technical concepts gives me a foundational understanding from which to build communication pathways. I can start with a patent or scientific article and turn it into an infographic with ease.
DESIGN
I have worked on various paid and volunteer projects, from designing logos to scientific posters. My current role at George Mason focuses heavily on design. Examples of my work can be viewed under Communication.
INFORMAL EDUCATION/OUTREACH
When I was an active researcher, I made outreach events a priority. I often designed educational activities for children for these events. Currently, I give tours of the Institute for Biohealth Innovation and am creating a coloring book focused on research at GMU.
PROGRAM SAVVY
I am proficient with Adobe Creative Cloud, especially Illustrator and InDesign, and the Microsoft Office suite. I have experience processing data in SAS and R. I am a self-taught web developer using CSS and JavaScript.
