Hello, I’m Emily

I create distinctive graphics that engage and inspire for clients across the country. I collaborate with museums, educational institutions, research centers, and community groups to devise graphic solutions for a wide variety of needs. My work spans exhibits, hands-on activities, professional development resources, reports, marketing materials, and digital media. Most of my projects fall into the category of science engagement. I design primarily for family audiences and love transforming complex scientific concepts into resources that are clear, inviting, and accessible to the general public.

As a designer for the National Informal STEM Education Network (NISE Network), I developed a suite of exhibits, hands-on activities, how-to guides, and professional development resources that have been widely disseminated through a national network of museums and the informal science education field.

Additional clients include the Sciencenter in Ithaca, NY; Arizona State University; SciStarter; the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI); the Museum of Science, Boston; and Cornell University.

My specialty is creating concise, comprehensive graphics that balance beauty with accuracy and approachability, and are carefully tailored to engage their intended audience. I enjoy the process of collaborating with varied teams of exhibit developers, artists, 3D designers, subject-matter experts, and evaluators to research, prototype, and refine exhibits and graphics. I never tire of the creative challenge of finding the right production method and graphic treatment for any given need, no matter how unique, complex, or durable the requirement!

A Bit of Background

I earned my BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art and have been designing exhibit and educational graphics since 2001. I grew up on the East Coast and relocated to Portland in 2004. I enjoy the pace of life in Portland, the easy access to the mountains and nature, and the amazing bounty of local farms and food.

I was raised in a household with lots of craft projects and have my mom to thank for embracing and encouraging my creative side. My education included fine art, photography, architecture, and design classes. I always thought I wanted to be an artist until I discovered that I didn't like making up my own rules! Being a designer suits me much better—I love the challenge of creating something useful and meaningful within established constraints. Working in the field of science education is especially rewarding, as I get to learn new things, and do a small part to inspire the next generation.

When I'm not involved with a project, you can find me in the kitchen cooking with my kids, hiking or running on the trails in the foothills of Mt. Hood, or working on a puzzle while enjoying a pot of strong tea. My current favorite is Black Lavender by Smith Teamaker.