By: Rika Mizoguchi

Hello everyone! My name is Rika Mizoguchi and I am a sophomore studying animation and digital art at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts.

This summer I’ve been working with Professor Fieser from the Fieser Lab through the Wrigley’s Institute’s WIES internship program! The Fieser Lab works with chemical reactions to break down existing plastics and synthesize new degradable ones to combat plastic pollution. My work this summer has mainly focused on creating visuals to help promote her lab’s research and community outreach.

I’ve always been interested in both science and art, and this program has provided the perfect opportunity for me to explore the ways in which graphic design can be used to communicate science! From creating diagrams for student papers to informational magnets, I’ve had plentiful opportunities to learn how to work and communicate with scientists to design–as well as how to manage projects and my own time. I’ve also learned a lot about the challenges we face with plastic pollution, as well as chemical solutions!

Below are some of the header images and icons I made for the website. Most of the graphics I’ve created this summer were made with Photoshop and Illustrator.

Header graphics from the website!

Icons for Dr. Fieser’s website

Throughout the summer, I also worked on a general introduction video about the Fieser Lab’s research. I wanted to create a more hand-drawn, organic feel to the video, so I used looser sketchy digital drawings and paintings throughout the video. Working with my mentors I started from extremely rough storyboards, to cleaned up boards and scripts to the final cut.

From rough initial idea… to final video shot!

I’ve had a great time working with my mentors, advisors, and fellow interns, and hope to use the skills I’ve learned during this internship in the future!

If you’d like, you can watch my final video here!