Begona Rodriguez Rueda

Begona Rodriguez Rueda serves as Lecturer in the Department of Graphic Design at Trakya University's Art School, Turkey, since 2013. Her interdisciplinary profile merges fine arts expertise with medical science communication and environmental advocacy.

Education:

• Master in Sciences of Medical Illustration (2010), Augusta University
• Bachelor of Fine Arts, Painting Department (2001), Universidad de La Laguna
• Certificate of Pedagogical Aptitude (2002), Spain

Research Focus: Rodriguez Rueda pioneers Medical Illustration for complex biomedical concepts, specializing in immunology (IgE-mediated autoimmune pathways) and surgical visualization (neurosurgery/cardiac procedures). Her Regenerative Agriculture work bridges art and ecology through documentary filmmaking and community initiatives like 'Plastige Hayir!!', while Cultural Heritage projects engage traditional Turkish motifs in contemporary contexts. This triad of interests creates unique cross-disciplinary synergies between scientific accuracy and artistic expression.

Illustration Impact: Her visualizations consistently translate intricate scientific processes into accessible educational tools, with immunology illustrations clarifying molecular mechanisms of autoimmune disorders and surgical series demonstrating precise anatomical relationships. This work demonstrates exceptional skill in balancing clinical accuracy with pedagogical effectiveness across diverse biomedical domains.

Scientific Recognition:

• Award of Merit for 'Temporal Lobectomy and Hippocampal Resection' neurosurgical series (2010)
• Salon winner for 'Coronary Artery Bypass' visualization (2009 American Medical Illustrators Meeting)
• GILIOLA GAMBERINI International Illustration Prize (2015)
• BeMed Laureate status for anti-plastic pollution microinitiative (2017, 2019)
• Finalist, International Medical Illustration Netter contest (2013)

Grants & Collaborations: Hub Istanbul grant (2020) funded her documentary 'Topragin Uyanisi' on alternative farming. She co-founded 'Plastige Hayir!!' (BeMed Laureate 2017/2019) targeting plastic pollution, and contributed to the 11-language 'Trakya Paşaeli Müdafa-i Hukuk Cemiyeti' historical volume (2018). Her EU-supported 'Yavas Yasayanlar' project (2019) promotes sustainable living practices across Thrace.

Academic Engagement: Rodriguez Rueda serves on juries for major illustration contests (Edirne Illustration Contest 2021, International Original Print Competition 2021) and exhibits widely, including solo 'Medical Illustration' shows at Trakya University (2017). As active member of Vagus Nerve Research Community and BeMed initiative, she integrates scientific rigor with community-based environmental action through Thrace University Association panels and Balkan ecology congresses.