illustration and cartoons
by, Vanessa Rodrigues, PhD Laser Optics Engineering
heLLo THeRe.
Welcome to my world!
I am an Engineering Physicist applying creative insight, project leadership, process optimization to improve operations efficiency and impact.Its been 12 years understanding applied physics and engineering in daily life through the intersection of optics, lasers, and electronics.These complex ideas often remain out of reach for wider audiences.Through my practice, I focus on translating these highly technical concepts into visual narratives that are clear, engaging, and user-centric.
P.S.: I have always had a hand-drawn career pathway pinned up on my wall since school and this is me continuing traditions of roadmapping my life.
A pinch of humor always brings on a smile and a lasting impression.
My approach is rooted in impactful communication and thoughtful design to transform how scientific knowledge is understood and experienced. By merging art with science, I create work that makes research more accessible, fosters awareness, and builds a sense of connection. Ultimately, I aim to bridge the gap between advanced technology and the public, using visual storytelling to inform, engage, and make a meaningful difference.
I am a creative partner for
Academic researchers
Public engagement and Outreach
Photonics companies and marketing teams
Engineering innovators
A day in the life
Link to shop below
About
I had this 20 page autograph flip book in school where one of my friends scribbled in,
'Life's a camera. So keep smiling.'Funny how these little things stick sometimes.
I now carry the same attitude into every community I build, everywhere I go.
I am a South Indian Illustrator and Engineer based in Cork, Ireland.Here I share my spark of a deeper connection to the world around us through Photonics, the science of light, and create a little something that you can gift to that unnecessarily logical person in your circle. ;P
I have an engineer's mind, a physicist's curiosity and a nature lovers heart.I infuse hand-drawn styles in my design process.Link to shop below
GALLERY
Discover how I 'illuminate' the sciences through visual storytelling
I translate complex science into clear, accurate illustrations and make them fun to learn.
Education Materials
Transform complex concepts into accessible learning resources. From textbook illustrations and educational posters to classroom presentations and e-learning content.2D Illustration
Clear diagrams, schematics, flowcharts, and infographics: Ideal for posters, conferences, educational content, and scientific communication materials.
Logo design and science cartoons: Ideal for event swag
PUBLISHED
Search for sub-eV axion-like particles in a quasi-parallel stimulated resonant photon-photon collider with “coronagraphy”
High Energy Physics – Experiment , arXiv preprint arXiv:2409.01805 (2024)Wavefront Optimisation using non-linear feedback from up-converting nanoparticles
Frontiers in Optics, pp. JM4A-77. Optica Publishing Group (2023)A virtual comparison of different time-of-flight-based diffuse optical spectroscopic techniques
Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy and Imaging IX 12628, 211-213 (2023)Challenge of search for cosmological dark components with high-intensity lasers and beyond
The European Physical Journal A 59 (5), 109 (2023)Experimental design of radiation reaction by 1 PW laser pulse and linear accelerator electron bunch
High Energy Density Physics 38, 100919 (2021)High energy high stability laser wakefield electron acceleration with the J-KAREN-P laser
The 75th Annual Meeting of the Japan Physical Society of Japan 2020, Meeting Abstracts of the Physical Society of Japan 75.1 (0), 550-550 (2020)Direct femtosecond laser fabricated photon sieve
OSA Continuum 2 (4), 1328-1341 (2019)Fabrication of micro-optical components using femtosecond oscillator pulses
Proc. SPIE 10449, Fifth International Conference on Optical and Photonics Engineering, 104492V (June 13, 2017); doi:10.1117/12.2270898Microfabrication of Fresnel zone plates using Laser Induced Solid Ablation
Journal of Optics, IOP 18(7), 075403 (2016)Self-cleaning superhydrophobic surfaces with underwater superaerophobicity
Materials & Design 100: 8-18 (2016)Opto-mechanical Door locking system
SPIE Optical Systems Design. International Society for Optics and Photonics, pp. 96262J-96262J (2015)Small and Macromolecules Crystallization Induced by Focused Ultrafast Laser
Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 81, No. 2, pp. 517-523 (2015)Enhancing the Strength of an Optical Trap by Truncation
PLoS ONE, 8(4): e61310 (2013)Microfabrication of Fresnel zone plates using Laser Induced Solid Ablation
Journal of Optics, IOP 18(7), 075403 (2016)
Contact
Dare to like one of my science‑inspired designs on a product from my store?Get in touch to commission a custom piece for your lab, event or brand.
Let's discuss how I can help communicate your science visually.Every project is unique, and I tailor my approach to your specific needs.Response time: 24-48 hours
Cork Ireland[email protected]