Meet Amanda Montañez, a graphics editor at Scientific American, who started as an intern in 2015 and who today continues to transform complex data into engaging visuals for our readers.
What got you interested in science journalism?
When I discovered medical illustration, I fell in love with the field. One of my most cherished experiences from grad school was participating in cadaver dissections alongside medical students. That led me to want to share scientific knowledge with the world.
Who are your biggest influences or mentors in your scientific career?
Santiago Ramón y Cajal, whose discoveries
shaped modern neuroscience, has always been an inspiration. But my most important mentor has been my illustrious colleague in the
SciAm graphics department, Jen Christiansen!
What do you hope readers will take away from your articles?
In the same way that a powerful quote can stick in a reader’s mind, I would like my graphics to capture people’s attention and maybe even compel them to share what they learned with others.
How do you think science communication can be improved in today's media landscape?
Even charts that are technically accurate have the potential to be wildly misleading. The more we can put numbers in context, the better we can inform the public and help counter the spread of misinformation.
Can you share any upcoming projects you’re excited about?
Discover more from Amanda and explore her latest work at Scientific American.
