Building Organizational Capability
Team & Process Transformation
The Publications & Design Group had long been viewed primarily as a production department: redrawing scientific figures, formatting publications, and executing requests. I saw an opportunity to redefine what the group could contribute by expanding our role from production support to a strategic communications partner. Shown here are the types of documents our group historically worked on.
The Challenge
Leading the Transformation
I saw an opportunity to build on the talent within the team and expand what Publications & Design could contribute to the Laboratory. I identified opportunities to apply our skills in new ways, developed the capabilities needed to take on that work, and challenged assumptions about what the department could contribute. Each successful project built credibility and opened the door to larger, more strategic initiatives that had previously been outside the department’s scope.
These initiatives created increasing value for the Laboratory and grew in visibility and impact, from large-scale installations such as the Nobel Laureate wall shown at the top of the page to highly visual scientific graphics that help communicate the scale and significance of LLE’s work to visitors, like the illustration shown here being used during a tour.
Lasting Impact
The department's role changed from executing requests to helping shape how the Laboratory communicates. New capabilities became standard practice, staff grew into expanded roles, and Publications & Design became a trusted strategic partner for major initiatives across the Laboratory.
The transformation extended beyond the work shown here. I also modernized how the department operated, retiring redundant databases, eliminating low-value processes and tasks, and introducing more efficient workflows, including the use of AI and Python to streamline document production and figure creation.
Built internal capabilities through staff development and expanded roles.
Helped establish a communications function that did not previously exist.
Expanded the department's contribution from production support to higher-value strategic work.
The examples shown here reflect capabilities developed and expanded under my leadership, including three-dimensional illustration, specialized scientific visuals, and advanced photography.
