Since January 2013, I have been a research assistant professor at the University of Utah, where I collaborate with faculty to create biological visualizations for research and education. I am particularly interested in exploring ways that animation can be used in the research arena to aid in the understanding and communication of molecular and cellular processes.

I completed my Ph.D. in 2006 at the University of California, San Francisco in the lab of Dyche Mullins, where I studied the actin cytoskeleton. Towards the end of my time at UCSF, I was awarded a NSF Discovery Corps fellowship which allowed me to pursue scientific animation as a postdoctoral fellow. As part of my

fellowship, I attended the Gnomon School for Visual Effects in Hollywood, California. From 2006-2008, I worked with Jack Szostak at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Museum of Science in Boston to create a multimedia exhibit on the origins of life. I was at Harvard Medical School from 2008-2012, where I collaborated with many faculty to create molecular visualizations.

This website showcases my work in scientific illustration, animation, and web design. I encourage you to visit some of my other sites that feature my work:

Janet Iwasa @ U. of Utah
The Science of HIV
The Exploring Origins virtual exhibit