A desktop computer and a smartphone displaying the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) website. The desktop shows a behind-the-scenes page of an exhibit shop with a person working on a mechanical device, while the smartphone shows a page with images related to educational programs and activities at OMSI.

Oregon Museum of
Science & Industry

Editorial Strategy + Copywriting

I grew up playing in the hallowed halls of OMSI — an iconic Portland institution that has sparked curiosity for visitors of all ages since the early 1900s. So when they asked me to help launch their new brand and website with a hero story series, my inner child replied with a resounding HECK YES.

Interviewing the experts

I had the privilege of interviewing OMSI team members across the organization, from exhibit designers to researchers to educators. Through these conversations, I developed a strategy to bring their stories to life.

Children interact with a plasma ball displaying electric volts.
Microscopic view of multiple cells with vibrant blue, pink, and green fluorescent colors on a black background.

OMSI is more than a museum.

I learned OMSI conducts their own primary research onsite (I had no idea!), and transforms their findings into interactive traveling exhibits that make learning about the most impactful issues of our time fun and memorable.

They work with community partners who bring BIPOC voices and wisdom to the center of their work. And their programs reach across the region, from delivering giant inflatable whales and exploding chemistry sets to rural schoolhouses, to tailoring after school programs for ESL students here in the Portland area.

Two young girls wearing safety goggles conducting a science experiment with beakers and a pipette in a classroom laboratory.
Close-up of a glowing incandescent light bulb against a dark background, showing the filament and inner components.

The real heroes

Working closely with OMSI’s in-house team, I wrote a series of short “hero stories” capturing the heart of their brand to weave throughout their new website – from a highlight on community impact to a deeper dive on their creative process at the onsite exhibit shop. These are a few faves.

Dinosaur skeleton on display inside a museum, with a large light fixture and visitors in the background.

Behind the Scenes at the OMSI Exhibit Shop

What does it take to build an exhibit that can fit into a trailer and travel the country? Take a peek into our exhibit shop to find out.

A bridge over a river in a rural area with a white van traveling on it, surrounded by grassy fields and hills.

On the Road with OMSI

What do a portable planetarium, an inflatable whale, and a bearded dragon have in common? They all hit the road to bring OMSI fun to schools across the region.

A man and a young child looking at a colorful book together.

What do skunks have to do with preschool math?

More than you might think! Find out how OMSI gets creative to help early childhood educators teach STEM in playful, memorable ways.

In short…

Writing about these amazing stories was a joy and privilege for my inner child and for the grownup me who believes in the power of science to shape a better world.

Client
OMSI

Role
Writer

Dream Team
Heather Wadia
Michael Perman
Russ Repp

Deliverables
Team interviews
Story arc strategy
Hero stories x10
Web copy blurbs x8