February is an important month in STEM, with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11th. As a female-founded business, RCDesign Lab is proud to celebrate the incredible contributions of women in biomedical visualization and beyond.
Honoring Women in Biomedical Visualization
Women have been shaping the landscape of medical illustration for centuries, from early anatomical illustrators to today’s digital pioneers. Their work has not only advanced scientific understanding but also bridged the gap between art and education. Here are two figures whose impact continues to resonate:
- Dorothy Foster Chubb– A visionary in medical illustration, advocating for the power of visual storytelling in scientific education. Read more about her story here! Body of work: The pioneering woman
- Dr. Jennifer Fairman – A trailblazer in biomedical illustration, educator, and mentor, who has paved the way for future generations of illustrators and scientists alike. View some of her incredible work here: https://www.medillsb.com/artist
However, I’d like to shine a spotlight on one woman in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in particular—a local, Canadian-based changemaker, which makes this all the more exciting.
Spotlight: Dr. Claudia Krebs – Educator, Innovator, and Neuroscience Communicator
Meet Dr. Claudia Krebs, a powerhouse educator at the University of British Columbia who has dedicated her career to making neuroscience and anatomy more approachable, engaging, and—even better—downright enjoyable.
While not a medical illustrator by trade, Dr. Krebs is an invaluable contributor to the field of biomedical communication, known for her ability to visualize complex concepts with both clarity and creativity. What truly sets her apart is the way she brings anatomy to life, sharing her deep knowledge of the human body through dynamic collaborations and the development of innovative teaching methods. Her blended learning environments are anything but traditional lecture recordings; they’re a fusion of scientific rigor and artistic expression that makes learning both engaging and impactful.
Through collaborations with UBC Hive and partner institutions, Dr. Krebs continues to champion open educational resources in anatomy and neuroscience—free and accessible materials, including interactive web modules, videos, and eBooks, available to learners everywhere.
She’s also a key member of the teaching team behind the UBC Certificate in Biomedical Visualization and Communication, where she mentors the next generation of medical communicators and changemakers.
Oh—and did I mention she’s a podcast host too?
Check out Body Banter, which she co-hosts with Segun Oyedele. If you’re looking for a place to start, I highly recommend the episode “Embracing Variation in Medical Illustration,” featuring guest Nika Ford—another powerhouse woman creating inclusive and accurate visuals in the health sciences.
Take a look at Clinical Anatomy at UBC for a peek into the incredible educational world she’s helping to shape.
Highlights in Biomedical Visualization
Emerging Trends:
Augmented Reality in Surgical Training – A new study published at the beginning of this month examines the role of AR in complex surgical procedures. The findings show that AR can improve precision and learning outcomes, offering exciting possibilities for medical education.
Educational Resources:
A must-have on the shelf of any scientific or medical illustrator: The Guild Handbook of Scientific Illustration, 2nd Edition. Edited by Elaine R. S. Hodges, this extensive volume dives into both the artistry and accuracy required to visually communicate science. It’s an incredible resource—especially meaningful as it centres a female editor!
Community & Collaboration:
One to Watch – We encourage you to explore the work of talented female illustrators and scientists driving innovation in the world of science communication. Their contributions continue to inspire and shape the future of biomedical visualization. Here are some of my favourites:
Upcoming Events:
AAA Conference – Don’t miss this annual event that brings together top professionals in the field of anatomical and biomedical illustration. It’s a great opportunity to network, learn, and showcase your work.
Coming up this July: the AMI Conference! Stay tuned for registration details.”
Looking Ahead
As we continue into 2025, we’re excited to share more insights, breakthroughs, and creative inspiration in biomedical visualization. Stay tuned for March’s post, where we’ll spotlight new and exciting developments in the field of biomedical communications.
We want to hear from you! Who’s one of your favourite female changemakers in STEM? Drop a comment and let us know!