LSC students are gaining hands-on experience in science communication and digital media through the leadership of Brianna Van Matre, who is returning to teach full time as an instructor in social media, web design, and digital marketing for the sciences. In her courses, students build professional portfolios, work with real clients, and develop the strategic communication skills needed in today’s digital landscape.
Van Matre currently teaches LSC 432: Social Media for the Sciences, LSC 532: Web Design for the Sciences, and LSC 332: Print and Electronic Media Design. In LSC 432, students design and implement social media campaigns for real Wisconsin-based clients, gaining experience that produces measurable results and strengthens their portfolios. LSC 532 guides students through three website projects—an existing site redesign, a client project, and a personal portfolio—while LSC 332 focuses on professional digital and print media design aligned with industry standards.
“Across all my courses, I encourage students to tailor their projects to their personal interests—whether in science, art, policy, or entrepreneurship—so they stay motivated and see how communication can empower them to achieve their goals,” says Van Matre.
Students develop both technical and strategic skills, working with tools such as Figma, social media management platforms, and Adobe Creative Suite, while also learning how to analyze audiences, craft compelling messages, and think critically about communication strategy. While technology continues to evolve, Van Matre emphasizes skills that endure—storytelling, audience awareness, and strategic thinking.
Van Matre brings years of professional experience in conservation communications, nonprofit marketing, and international development to the classroom. She has worked on conservation initiatives in New Zealand and Costa Rica, contributed to Wisconsin-based nonprofits, and worked for organizations such as EcoAgriculture Partners, where she led website design projects, global marketing, social media outreach, and fundraising. These experiences inform her applied, real-world teaching approach.
Inspiring students is central to Van Matre’s teaching philosophy. “Of course, I want to help students master the course material—but beyond that, my main goal is to help them discover how their unique interests and passions can become the foundation for a fulfilling career,” she says. “Watching those ideas come to life is the most rewarding part of teaching.”
As digital media continues to shape how science is shared and understood, effective communication is essential across disciplines. With Brianna Van Matre leading these courses, LSC students are well prepared to engage audiences, communicate complex ideas, and make meaningful impact in their fields.