ABOUT US
Formed from a collective of art-savvy scientists, we have the ability to understand the most challenging of briefs and help clients achieve the attention their work deserves.
SquareCell was born out of a passion to visually communicate the innate beauty and complexity of the living world. Our aim is to bridge the gap between the bench and the wider community by creating clear, engaging and scientifically-accurate art.
Dr Andrew Lilja
Co-founder & Technical Director
Andrew developed a love of visual science at the University of Melbourne while completing his Bachelor of Biomedical Science and PhD in Pharmacology & Therapeutics. A creative itch drew him towards 3D modelling and animation to communicate complex research topics and he has been completely hooked ever since.
He now spends his time translating the latest scientific research into compelling visual narratives using computer-based cinematography techniques similar to those employed in Hollywood visual effects studios and video games.
Dr Nicki Cranna
Co-founder & Creative Director
Nicki loves all things science and art, especially when the two are combined. She has a PhD in Molecular Biology from The University of Melbourne where she spent many hours looking down a microscope. Here, her appreciation for the beauty of the molecular world began.
Now, Nicki combines her technical knowledge with her creativity and communication skills. She has developed public science art exhibitions, worked for Science Gallery Melbourne, written for COSMOS magazine, taught science communication at Deakin University, delivered workshops on visual science communication at University of Melbourne, written and edited communications for Wave Consulting, was the art director of Lateral Magazine, managed communications for the Melbourne Neuroscience Institute and now develops education programs at Walter & Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research.
Åženay Gurel
Lead Artist and Animator
Åženay has been creating art ever since she could hold a crayon.
Her love of art and fascination with science has led her to a career in Biomedical Visualisation.
Having graduated from a Bachelor of Science at Swinburne University, Åženay found herself missing her creative side and pursued a way to combine both.
Inspired by the concept of storytelling science as a visual medium, she explored the world of animation and graduated from the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) studying Film and VFX.
As a Lead Artist at SquareCell she's thrilled to take the viewer on an artistic journey to bring the molecular world to life.