Name: Li Yao. Born: 1988. Li is a Medical Illustrator. She creates artwork to communicate ideas about science and health. Fact 1: One part of Li’s job is drawing different parts of the body for textbooks. Fact 2: Li has a background in art and scien…
 

LI YAO
MEDICAL ILLUSTRATOR

Li uses art to communicate science! She studied biology as an undergrad and conducted research as a graduate student. After three years, she discovered that her favorite part of research was explaining the results and telling stories. As a result, she pursued a Master’s degree in biological and medical illustration. In response to this big decision, Li says: “Stepping out of my comfort zone allowed me to adapt what used to make me stressed into a career that I am truly passionate about.”

As a Science Visualization and Website Specialist at Howard Hughes Medical Institute BioInteractive, she helps to create several classroom resources, teaching science topics such as how termites digest wood and coral reef bleaching through interactive animations. 

Further Resources: 
(some links repeat from above)