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Katharine Gilbert

Visual Communications Designer

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I’m a dynamic, versatile designer with a strategic eye and a collaborative spirit. I believe great design is more than visuals, it’s about connection, impact, and thoughtful details that bring ideas to life.

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Whether I’m refining a brand, crafting a campaign, or shaping a creative community, I’m driven by curiosity and a genuine interest in people’s unique perspectives. I’m always building on my skills and seeking out new ways design can make a meaningful difference.

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Outside of work, you’ll usually find me in the pottery studio, discovering new favorite restaurants, or spending time with animals, all things that fuel my creativity and remind me why I care so much about people and the stories we share.

Work Experience

September 2024 - August 2025

July 2019 - September 2024

March 2019 - May 2021

January 2015 - Jan 2021

September 2016 - Jan 2021

Creative Director
UC San Diego - Center for Microbiome Innovation
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  • Developed full branding and visual identity for the Skin Biome Initiative (logo, website, instructional materials); supported recruitment of 350+ participants.

  • Designed logo and branding for the UCSD Soil Health Center.

  • Produced marketing, photography, and social media content for CMI events.

  • Created onboarding systems for an external lab partner.

  • Provided ongoing presentation support for faculty.

Communication Specialist

UC San Diego School of Medicine


Based at the Knight Lab I specialized in instructional design, logo design, web design, video production, and photography. My expertise has been pivotal in key projects, notably contributing to "The Microsetta Initiative."
 

I have played a key role in enhancing grant proposals and funding opportunities for UC San Diego. With a focus on international projects related to human health in clinical trials, I bring a unique blend of skills in customer service, editing, communication, and visual storytelling to elevate project outcomes.

Graphic Design Consultant

Biomesense

 

​​Provided creative support and design for a seed stage start-up developing a novel biosensor platform for fully automated, low-cost, longitudinal microbiome data collection.

Photographer & Designer

Freelance

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Photo retouching, art direction and graphic design support for public relations and business communications.

Clients include Holobiome and LYON Creative Services to The University of Chicago, Duke University and the National Science Foundation. I've had the privilege of collaborating with renowned entities such as Radio Lab, TEDx Naperville, and Cell Press. Additionally, I am proud to have contributed to the success of Terra Klay, Muse Magazine, Science News for Students, Medicine on the Midway, Naperville Magazine, and First Light Radio. 

Co-Founder & Creative Director

The People Tree

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Created a platform to foster community connections with a focus on supporting women experiencing isolation due to motherhood, work commitments, or life pressures.

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  • Successfully promoted monthly storytelling events and free workshops, guiding participants in crafting their narratives.

  • Managed comprehensive communication channels, including website, social media, and email newsletters.

  • Collaborated with external partners to enhance outreach and engagement.

  • Ensured alignment with organizational values and goals while introducing innovative ideas.

Education

Staffordshire University, UK

Graduate Certificate, Psychology

Northampton University, UK

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Hons)

University of the Creative Arts

Diploma in Art & Design

CITI Program Certification

Biomedical Research

Skills

Photography & Visual Design

  • Portrait & Event Photography

  • Photojournalism

  • Brand Design

  • Infographic Design

  • International Design Localization

  • Instructional Design

  • Video Design

  • Advanced print design and prepress preparation utilizing Adobe Master Suite CS4 (Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat).

  • Publication design and layout using Adobe In Design and Microsoft Office Suite.

 

Management Tools

Adobe CC. Monday.com, My Emma, Mail Chimp, Wordpress, Wix, Figma, Miro, Canva, Keynote, Power point, Google Slides.

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Core Competencies

Creative Problem Solving, Team Player, Strategic Communications, Design Internal Communications, Content Creation

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© 2025 by Kat Gilbert. All rights reserved.

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