SCIENTIST AND ILLUSTRATOR

My name is Anja Erasmus, and I hold a PhD in Environmental Sciences from North-West University, South Africa, with a focus on Environmental Parasitology. During my doctoral studies, I developed expertise in taxonomic illustration of parasitic crustaceans, capturing the intricate details that define species through scientifically precise line drawings. My passion for both science and art fully merged during my postdoctoral research, when I discovered an interest in science visualisation.

While informally contributing to the visual communication efforts of my affiliated research group, I recognised the power of art in making complex scientific ideas more accessible to a broader audience. This insight inspired the creation of Scientia illustratio (also referred to as Sci-ill, /skɪl/), where I aim to combine my scientific knowledge with my artistic skills to bring research to life through compelling illustrations.

My extensive academic background enables me to grasp complex scientific concepts and translate them into detail-rich, aesthetically pleasing visuals that bridge the gap between research and artistic expression.

I am also the scientific illustrator for an internationally published Open Access Springer Nature book, titled "Aquatic Parasitology: Ecological and Environmental Concepts and Implications of Marine and Freshwater Parasites".