MASTER’S RESEARCH PROJECT
Bridging the Gap: Engineered Neural Stem Cells to treat the Injured Spinal Cord
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STORY
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Audience: Non-specialist scientists, scientific funding boards
Software: Maya, C4D, ZBrush, Procreate, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Premiere Pro, Miro, Figma
Format: 3D animation
Client: Dr. Michael Fehlings, Toronto Western Hospital
Key Skills: visual storytelling, science communication, project management, scientific research, user-centered design, script writing, storyboarding, animatic creation, art direction, mood boarding, 3D modeling, 2D/3D animation, audio recording & processing, compositing
Engineered neural stem cells are a promising treatment approach for traumatic spinal cord injury that have overcome many barriers faced by current treatment methods. However, funding is required for this research to advance to clinical trials.
The goal of this Master’s Research Project was to design and create an animation that engages funding agencies in understanding the importance and relevance of neural stem cell transplantation in the repair of spinal cord injury.
DETAILS
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COMMITTEE
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Primary Supervisor
BFA, BA, Hons BSc, MScBMC, CMI
Michael Corrin
Associate Director / Associate Professor
University of Toronto
Secondary Supervisor
Marc Dryer
Hons BA, MSc, MScBMC
Associate Professor, Teaching Stream
University of Toronto
Content Advisor
Dr. Michael G. Fehlings
Department of Surgery
Faculty of Medicine
University of Toronto
FUNDING
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Funding was provided by Dr. Michael G. Fehlings, from Toronto Western General Hospital.
PRE-PRODUCTION
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PROPOSAL
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After meeting with Dr. Fehlings and his research team to discuss the project, I crafted a project proposal outlining my strategy for developing the animation. This proposal included research on spinal cord injury and repair utilizing neural stem cells, and optimal techniques for animation and research grant writing. I also incorporated an annotated bibliography and media audit, systematically examining existing visualizations to identify both strengths and gaps in the current landscape. The proposal concludes with a set of guidelines that I formulated for the animation's creation, aimed not only at educational value but also at securing research funding. These guidelines were crafted by synthesizing insights from the best practices in designing educational animations and the art of grant writing, ensuring a synergistic approach for both education and fundraising purposes.
SCRIPT
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Following the proposal, I developed a script to lay the foundation for the narrative of my project. Given that my target audience for the Major Research Project (MRP) comprised non-specialist scientists, I dedicated efforts to create a narrative that minimized deeply technical jargon while still delivering sufficient information for viewers to grasp the intricacies of spinal cord injury and repair employing engineered neural stem cells. I employed active, conversational language to hold the audience’s attention, and workshopped various emotional hooks designed to instill a sense of empathy towards patients with spinal cord injuries and to foster a desire to invest in the proposed treatment. The script not only served as a blueprint for the animation but also as a strategic tool to engage and resonate with the intended audience.
STORYBOARD
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After several iterations of the script, I proceeded to develop a storyboard to chart my vision for the visual presentation of the animation. The storyboard underwent numerous iterations, incorporating feedback from my committee. This iterative process aimed to uphold scientific precision and ensure that the communication objectives were effectively achieved.
ANIMATIC
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After completing the storyboard, I utilized Procreate and After Effects to craft the animatic, ensuring seamless synchronization between narration and visual elements. I shared the animatic with both my committee and non-specialist scientists, incorporating feedback to refine the piece over several iterations.
PRODUCTION
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Finally, I created the animation using Maya, C4D, ZBrush, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, and Premiere Pro. Feel free to explore the final animation above!