Chinami Michaels
Barrow Neurological Institute
Phoenix, AZ USA
"The uniqueness and strengths that you have to offer are different than anyone else."
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Chinami's work combines: Science, Art, and Being Creative
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
I got pushback from professors in college. My art professors questioned why I didn't want to be a fine artist and my biology professors tried to push me toward becoming a scientist. I was sure that medical illustrating was what I wanted to do but I listened to them a bit and worked as a summer research assistant in the biology lab. It wasn't suited to me and I missed using my art skills. I did a medical illustration internship and liked it a lot better, so I knew I was making the right choice.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
Tufts University
Bachelor's Degree
Studio Art
Tufts University
Graduate Degree
Biomedical Visualization
University of Illinois at Chicago
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
As a teenager, I became very interested in art and drawing.
2.
I met a neuroscientist through a book club who introduced me to the field of science illustration—he needed illustrations for his textbook, which sounded like something I could be interested in.
3.
I decided to go to Tufts University because it had a dual degree program that allowed me to study both biology and studio art.
4.
After earning my bachelor’s degree, I went to graduate school for medical illustration.
5.
I did an internship in science and medical illustration, which really solidified my interest in the field.
6.
I now work as a medical video editor and multimedia specialist at Barrow Neurological Institute, where I edit videos of neurosurgeries and create molecular science illustrations for neuroscientists.
7.
I also co-lead a diversity outreach initiative within my department, which aims to bring more underrepresented college students into the neuroscience publications department.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Teachers:
You want to be an illustrator? Are you sure you don't want to be a fine artist instead and go show in New York City? You want to be a medical illustrator? Are you sure you wouldn't rather become a scientist?
How I responded:
I got pushback from professors in college. My art professors questioned why I didn't want to be a fine artist and my biology professors tried to push me toward becoming a scientist. I was sure that medical illustrating was what I wanted to do but I listened to them a bit and worked as a summer research assistant in the biology lab. It wasn't suited to me and I missed using my art skills. I did a medical illustration internship and liked it a lot better, so I knew I was making the right choice.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I struggled with imposter syndrome in grad school. I didn't fit in with my classmates. They were more competitive than collaborative, which made me question my own work. I needed to separate my identity from my grades in order to make it through.