Optimizing Scientific Imagery: Why, When, and How

Dee Breger
Director of Microscopy
College of Engineering, Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA

Friday, April 16, 2004

Scientific images are uniquely effective at conveying data and concepts to colleagues and the public, and consciously optimizing them is an important factor in how well they do their job. This presentation will discuss why "good" isn't always "good enough", and offer tips on how to improve images for greatest clarity and appeal.

Bio Sketch
After receiving a degree in Art from the University of Wisconsin, Dee Breger began her career as a scientific illustrator at Lamont Observatory, Columbia University's premier Earth science research institution. She soon discovered an affinity for the electron microscope, however, and has specialized in scanning electron microscopy since the inception of this technology.

In addition to founding and managing Lamont's SEM/EDX Facility since 1982, she has long optimized her own images in order to bring the multidisciplinary world of science to the general public through books, lectures, and the media.

Recipient of several international awards and prizes for her images, she has also participated on 25 continental and oceanographic research expeditions, most often in the Antarctic. Dee Breger has just moved to Drexel University as Director of Microscopy in the College of Engineering, where she will continue her microscopy teaching, operating, and outreach activities.

SMSI Minutes 16 April 2004
Dee Breger Optimizing Scientific Imagery: Why, When & How.

Many micro photos have white noise or extraneous objects which detract from the object that one wants to show. Colorization also helps to differentiate anatomical parts. Manipulation of the photo helps the uninitiated to comprehend the material. From Breger's handout: Photoshop suggestions: (a) Use Levels to change contrast & brightness not Contrast & Brightness (under Image-adjust). (b) Check Mode - RGB is not the default web version. (c) Capture images files at highest resolution and save as tiff or bmp and convert to jpeg as needed. Books: Frankel, Felic, Envisioning Science MIT 2002. Tufte, Edward, The Visual Explanation of Quantitative Information, Graphics Press 1990. (Workshop: www.edwardtufte.com). Norman, Donald A. Emotional Design Basic Books. Dec. 2003.

Respectfully submitted, Stan Schmidt, Recording Secretary