Hello!
I'm Beth Graham, a molecular biologist, illustrator, and educator.
EDUCATION
PhD in Animal Biology (all-but-dissertation), UC Davis
MA in Education, Stanford University
BA in Human Biology, Minor in Studio Art, Stanford University
BACKGROUND
Early in my biology career, I expected to pursue conservation biology. An interest in the reproduction of endangered species led me to study the molecular mechanisms of membrane fusion during fertilization. The involvement of captured viral proteins in many membrane fusion processes led me to study viruses. You can find a broad outline of my research experience here.
As an artist, I specialize in drawing and vector illustration using Adobe Illustrator. I have created scientific figures for my own research and for others as a freelance illustrator. I illustrated a non-fiction graphic novel for children to promote the conservation of red wolves. You can see a portfolio of my illustration here.
I strongly believe that science education should be accessible to everyone. I have worked as a community college biology instructor, a teaching assistant for undergraduate biology classes, an informal science educator at a zoo and a science museum, and a professional tutor. I recently started a science blog. It's still in its infancy, but you can find it here.
In addition to molecular biology research, I have a passionate interest in bioinformatics. I can analyze data using R, Python, and the command line. You can see a coding portfolio (in progress) here.