Art Meets Science

Jer Weann Ang: I am a biomedical visualizer at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. I work on a team that creates science-based visuals and interactive learning experiences for medical students.

JWA: I create 3-D models of anatomy, cellular biology, and molecular biology. I also make 3-D animations and design virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences.

JWA: Many of the tools and processes I use are the same as those found in game development. You can frequently find me 3-D sculpting, animating, or doing research and planning. I’m constantly switching between creative, technical, and scientific tasks.

JWA: I have my bachelor’s degree in genetics and a minor in art. I started out heavily focused on science—I didn’t find out about medical illustration until my third year of college.

JWA: One of my upcoming projects involves teaching medical students how to perform a physical exam on a baby. We are creating a VR experience featuring a moving, lifelike baby so students can learn about and virtually perform infant exams. We have never done this before, so I can’t wait to see how the project turns out!

JWA: This is a growing field for those who are interested in science or art. Take figure drawing classes because observational drawing is important in medical illustration. You’ll also need a good understanding of the fundamentals of biology, anatomy, and physiology.