Catherine Finlayson Portfolio 2026

Catherine Finlayson Portfolio 2026Catherine Finlayson Portfolio 2026Catherine Finlayson Portfolio 2026

Catherine Finlayson Portfolio 2026

Catherine Finlayson Portfolio 2026Catherine Finlayson Portfolio 2026Catherine Finlayson Portfolio 2026
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  • Comprehend Complexity
  • Accessible Intelligence
  • Innovative Application
  • Empathy in Design
  • Brand Strategy
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    • Home
    • Comprehend Complexity
    • Accessible Intelligence
    • Innovative Application
    • Empathy in Design
    • Brand Strategy

  • Home
  • Comprehend Complexity
  • Accessible Intelligence
  • Innovative Application
  • Empathy in Design
  • Brand Strategy

Innovation doesn't happen in a vacuum. I help organizations break down barriers. Whether you are a tech startup needing to connect with users, or an educational institution seeking industry relevance, I design the programs and partnerships that make those connections happen.

Bridging the Gap Between Innovation and Application

Role: Program Coordinator & Educational Marketing Lead

Client: Exciton Technologies Inc.

The Challenge: Connecting the Lab to the Real World

Exciton, a biotech innovator, faced a common industry problem: the "Bench to Bedside" disconnect. There was a gap between the scientists and engineers developing advanced technologies in the lab and the professionals and students who would eventually use them in the field.

The company needed a way to humanize their technology, gather real-world feedback for their R&D team, and build lasting relationships with future industry leaders. They didn't just need a sales pitch; they needed an educational ecosystem.

The Strategy: Intention, Connection, Creativity

1. Building Strategic Alliances (Connection) I architected a multi-year partnership between the private sector (Exciton) and academia (MacEwan University).

  • The Concept: I designed the "Research & Clinical Innovation Days"—a series of full-day immersive workshops.
  • The Bridge: This program brought together two distinct groups: the engineers/scientists creating the product and the students/practitioners using it. This allowed for a rare, direct exchange of knowledge that benefited both the business and the educational institution.

2. Experience Design & Curriculum Development (Intention) I moved beyond standard lectures to create a "dynamic and interactive approach to learning".

  • Interactive Workshops: I developed a curriculum that included facility tours, "Show & Share" sessions, and interactive design activities where participants could experiment with materials to solve real-world problems.
  • Cross-Functional Learning: Sessions were designed to explain the entire product lifecycle—from the "Antibiotic Crisis" (market need) to "Regulatory Landscapes" (business constraints) to "Manufacturing in Action" (operations).

3. Visual & Digital Engagement (Creativity)To support these events, I acted as the primary content creator and media liaison.

  • Content Creation: I designed technical presentations and marketing tools that translated complex engineering concepts into actionable insights for users.
  • Public Relations: I managed public messaging through social media channels and served as the media contact to ensure consistent brand storytelling.

The Outcome

What began as a pilot became a staple annual program. Over a span of four years, I successfully coordinated 8 full-day sessions for over 200 participants.

  • Business Impact: The program provided the R&D team with invaluable feedback for product development ("Wish-lists into Check-lists").
  • Engagement: Feedback highlighted the unique value of "blending the two worlds of the isolated lab and hands-on clinic" in a non-biased environment.
  • Legacy: The initiative established a sustainable model for University-Industry collaboration, enhancing workforce readiness while positioning the client as a thought leader.

Key Skills Applied

  • Strategic Partnerships: Negotiating and maintaining long-term collaborations between corporate and academic entities.
  • Event Strategy & Management: End-to-end coordination of large-scale educational events (logistics, programming, speaker management).
  • Curriculum Design: Translating technical R&D data into engaging learning modules.
  • Cross-Sector Communication: Facilitating dialogue between engineers, scientists, and end-users.

Exciton Technologies Inc.
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  • Comprehend Complexity
  • Accessible Intelligence
  • Innovative Application
  • Empathy in Design
  • Brand Strategy

Catherine Finlayson Portfolio 2026

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