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Ken Michaels: Scientific Publications, Graphics & Media

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Ken Michaels, manager of the Scientific Publications, Graphics & Media (SPGM) department at NCI-Frederick, originally planned to become a marine life photographer. His experiences as a SCUBA diver while in the US Air Force led him to enroll in Rochester Institute of Technology's Biomedical Photography program, graduating in 1972.

However, unable to find work as a marine life photographer, he became Chief Medical Photographer at the University of Arkansas Medical Center. During his 29 years of service at the University, Michaels rose from photographer to Director of Media Services.

"I was a better manager than I was a photographer," Michaels said. "Somewhere along the line I got so involved in media in medicine that underwater photography became a hobby, rather than a career interest." In July 2001, Michaels came to NCI-Frederick to head up the Publications Department.

Services offered at SPGM

Since starting with NCI-Frederick, Michaels and his staff have begun to offer many new services and have instituted some changes, beginning with the name: the Publications Department became Scientific Publications, Graphics & Media to better incorporate the department's administrative re-alignment with the Conference Center and Conference Planning. "Our mission is to help all of our scientists communicate their science to others more effectively, so we see communications as an end-to-end process that begins with the concept and goes all the way through design and production and ultimately, delivery to the audience," Michaels said.

SPGM has also converted to a completely digital imaging system over the past couple of years. "The last of the darkroom sinks and for that matter, the darkroom doors were removed not long ago; we don't have darkrooms anymore. Image capture is all done with digital cameras and scanners, and all image processing is done with computers," Michaels said.

SPGM's mission is to help both scientists and non-scientists at NCI-Frederick communicate more effectively with the most effective tools and means for scientific and general communication. The department staff help with illustration, graphics and design, with photographic and digital imaging, with writing, editing and manuscript processing, all tailored to the customer's specific requirements. A recent service is the ability to prepare multiple copies of videotapes, DVDs and CDs, and to convert these to formats playable in Europe or the USA. A future service for NCI-Frederick may be the production of three-dimensional models. "We think an actual 3D model of a molecular structure that can be held in the hands will be a tremendous aid in further understanding some of the complexities," Michaels said.

Aiding the Scientific Staff to Produce Flawless Presentations

Many scientists at NCI-Frederick can attest that SPGM has allowed them to create a better presentation. "I think that an important part of science today is in mining the incredible amount of information and data that's now so readily available, and making the important connections between things. With so much competing for our attention these days, the packaging of worthwhile information is more important than ever," Michaels said.

While many scientists produce their own PowerPoint slides, that takes time away from their research. "Some people prefer to put together their own PowerPoint shows, and I understand that. We can still offer a lot of help and support to those who prefer to do some, or most of, the work themselves. A second set of eyes can make small adjustments to copy or to imagery and give it a boost that improves its effect," Michaels said.

SPGM's Goals

Michaels explained that SPGM's ultimate goal "is to build and maintain a resource that not only meets the current communication needs of the NCI-Frederick scientific staff, but in addition is constantly looking forward." With the rapid advancement of technology of the past couple of years, it is pertinent for SPGM to continue to ask the question "What's next?"

Michaels feels sure that communications professionals will always be needed in science. "Our role today is pretty much the same as it was when we were producing 35 mm slides and even glass lantern slides before that. The activities are different. The slides were never the real job, they were just what teachers and presenters were using at that time. The real job has always been about the customer's message and how to best get it across to the audience."

So when working on a presentation, remember that SPGM is there to help you. "Excellent science deserves excellent presentation. The value of having people like us in an organization like NCI-Frederick is that it should allow our scientists to stay focused on what they're best at: the science itself; and let folks like us worry about keeping up with the changing communication technologies," Michaels said.

You can explore Scientific Publications, Graphics and Media's many services through its Web site http://www.ncifcrf.gov/campus/publications/ ; or visit Building 362 (Miller Drive), or call 301-846-1055.

Written by Kathryn Ellis
Office of Communication
Center for Cancer Research (CCR)
National Cancer Institute at Frederick

Edited by Susan Fox
Office of Communication
Center for Cancer Research (CCR)
National Cancer Institute at Frederick

and Maritta Grau
Scientific Publications, Graphics & Media
SAIC-Frederick, Inc.

Photography by Martha Welch
Scientific Publications, Graphics & Media
SAIC-Frederick, Inc.

Web Graphics and Development by Jim Miller
Computer & Statistical Services
Data Management Services, Inc.
National Cancer Institute at Frederick