Hello, I'm Aaron Mrvelj
This site showcases my work in scientific illustration, graphic design, and technical materials, along with selected projects from research and education.
ABOUT
Aaron Mrvelj works at the intersection of science and graphic design. With formal training in biology and experience in research and medical neuroscience education, he specializes in translating complex scientific systems into clear visual and written formats.
His work centers on scientific illustration, data visualization, and educational graphics, including freelance design of grade 6–12 science materials. He has produced publication graphics, textbook contributions, laboratory protocols, and instructional resources designed for both academic and classroom environments, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and usability.
As a laboratory coordinator and instructor, Aaron supported undergraduate and medical students, developed teaching aids and exam content, and edited large-scale technical documents to improve comprehension and efficiency. In parallel, he managed laboratory operations, budgets, vendor relationships, and regulatory compliance (including IACUC and institutional safety standards).
This combination of design execution, scientific expertise, technical writing, and operational experience informs a structured approach to communication—where visual clarity, precision, and real-world application are equally prioritized.
Recent Professional Experience
Background & Expertise
August 2023 - Present
Graphic Design, Freelance
As a graphic artist I have leveraged over 20 years of expertise to produce professional graphic art including contributions to "The Senses: A Comprehensive Reference 2nd ed." and the Warren Sports Hall of Fame Induction Program for 2024. Other notable works include designing scientific illustrations for journals, enhancing educational materials for medical neuroscience students, improving the visual clarity and accessibility of financial data, and converting textual laboratory proceedures into easy-to-follow visual protocols.
January 2019 - August 2022
Laboratory Coordinator, Northeast Ohio Medical University
When COVID-19 halted in-person instruction, I led the rapid transition of medical neuroscience laboratories to a fully virtual format, ensuring continuity for 120+ medical students. The challenge was to preserve the clarity and rigor of hands-on lab instruction without physical access to materials, while operating under shifting institutional and safety constraints.
To address this, I redesigned lab delivery around structured digital content, producing annotated diagrams, teaching graphics, and reorganized lab materials using Adobe Creative Suite. I authored and edited protocols and instructional guides to standardize delivery, and trained graduate and professional teaching assistants to implement the new format consistently across sections.
Alongside the instructional redesign, I managed budgets, vendor relationships, equipment logistics, and compliance requirements during a period of disruption. By integrating design, technical writing, teaching, and operations, I delivered a scalable virtual lab system that maintained instructional quality and supported uninterrupted student learning.
To address this, I redesigned lab delivery around structured digital content, producing annotated diagrams, teaching graphics, and reorganized lab materials using Adobe Creative Suite. I authored and edited protocols and instructional guides to standardize delivery, and trained graduate and professional teaching assistants to implement the new format consistently across sections.
Alongside the instructional redesign, I managed budgets, vendor relationships, equipment logistics, and compliance requirements during a period of disruption. By integrating design, technical writing, teaching, and operations, I delivered a scalable virtual lab system that maintained instructional quality and supported uninterrupted student learning.
January 2018 – January 2019
Research Assistant II, Northeast Ohio Medical University
I supported the development of a cardiac research laboratory at an early stage, taking on broad responsibility for establishing workflows, generating data, and building functional systems. With limited existing structure, the role required balancing experimental work, documentation, and operational setup while ensuring consistency and compliance.
I designed and refined graphical and written protocols to standardize laboratory techniques and improve reproducibility, while conducting experiments and managing animal colonies in accordance with regulatory standards. I also produced figures and presentation graphics for research communication, translating complex findings into clear visual formats.
In parallel, I managed resource use to operate below budget and trained undergraduate, graduate, and summer researchers to independently execute lab procedures. This work integrated research execution, technical writing, visual communication, and training into a cohesive system that supported both the scientific output and long-term functionality of the lab.
I designed and refined graphical and written protocols to standardize laboratory techniques and improve reproducibility, while conducting experiments and managing animal colonies in accordance with regulatory standards. I also produced figures and presentation graphics for research communication, translating complex findings into clear visual formats.
In parallel, I managed resource use to operate below budget and trained undergraduate, graduate, and summer researchers to independently execute lab procedures. This work integrated research execution, technical writing, visual communication, and training into a cohesive system that supported both the scientific output and long-term functionality of the lab.
Education
Academic History
August 2017
Youngstown State University
M.S. Biological Sciences
I had the privilege of being awarded the prestigious Cushwa-Shearing Fellowship. This comprehensive program equipped me with the knowledge and skills to conduct original research, leading to the publication of an experiment exploring the impact of diet on pineal gland growth in aged male rats.
I had the privilege of being awarded the prestigious Cushwa-Shearing Fellowship. This comprehensive program equipped me with the knowledge and skills to conduct original research, leading to the publication of an experiment exploring the impact of diet on pineal gland growth in aged male rats.
June 2014
Youngstown State University
B.S. Biological Sciences
Achieved a solid foundation for my journey into the realm of scientific exploration. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on experiences, I honed my analytical skills and gained a deep understanding of biological processes, preparing me for a successful transition into the diverse landscapes of both academia and professional research.
Achieved a solid foundation for my journey into the realm of scientific exploration. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on experiences, I honed my analytical skills and gained a deep understanding of biological processes, preparing me for a successful transition into the diverse landscapes of both academia and professional research.
