Get to Know HudsonAlpha: J.D. Frey

J.D. Frey, media manager, talks about how he creates the visual face of HudsonAlpha.
 
When/how did you get started with print and digital media?
I started working with computer graphics and illustration in the sixth grade, based on an interest in computers and video games. In high school I pursued contract illustration jobs for print media and began designing logos, brochures and tee shirts. 

How did you end up at HudsonAlpha?
In 1995, I interned at Research Genetics, where I developed Web pages and graphics. I think one of the reasons I got a job was because I brought my own copy of Adobe Photoshop! During my time at Research Genetics I developed relationships with many of the people involved in Huntsville’s growing biotechnology industry.  Those relationships helped me find contract work after Research Genetics closed in 2002. By 2003, I had a genuine interest in biotechnology and communicating biotechnology concepts between labs, as well as to the general public through illustration and animation. I worked for Open Biosystems from 2003 to 2007 where I was allowed to grow and develop more sophisticated ideas regarding multimedia production and delivery. In 2007 I spoke with Jim Hudson about the possibility of outfitting a media center at HudsonAlpha. In 2007 I was hired to work for Holly Ralston in the communications group to design and run the media center.

What is your role as media manager? What does your work involve?
Our group works to communicate a clear message to the public about HudsonAlpha, who we are and what we do. My job is to provide support during production and distribution of various forms of media to make sure everything looks and sounds good. Some of my responsibilities include storyboarding, producing animation, videography, video and audio editing, audio scoring, illustration, layout, web design and managing creative assets.

Do you work with the resident associates?
Yes.  The associates are part of our HudsonAlpha family, and it is important to make sure the public knows about the kinds of work they are doing, particularly the innovations and products that they bring to market.

What have you learned while at HudsonAlpha?
HudsonAlpha is an opportunity to better the human condition, and I believe that is true for most of the people, companies, and organizations working for and with HudsonAlpha. This opportunity presents itself every day in the form of cutting-edge research, new product development and in my case, showing the world what biotechnology is all about.

Why do you like working at HudsonAlpha?
I get to do what I love while working for an institution that helps people live better lives.  I believe in it.
 
What advice would you give to students wishing to enter the print and/or digital media fields as they relate to biotechnology?
Understand the science and don't have a backup plan. Biotech media, and media in general, will only get more competitive, so make sure it is really what you want to do and then don't look back.