Marcia Underwood is an experienced designer specializing in creating visual explanations, communicating a research message by melding aesthetic, technical, and quantitative skills to achieve clear understanding of complex topics. She is the creator of interactive data visualization projects such as maps, charts, timelines, and data dashboards, as well as static charts, infographics, and illustrations. She pairs web development skills with formal training in graphic design, typography, and illustration. She has an excellent sense for appropriate visual communication and data design solutions to craft tools for a smooth, comprehensible, and appealing user experience.
Her work at RTI spans many disciplines—including health care, public health, transportation, criminal justice—for a range of clients including federal and state agencies and private foundations.
Prior to RTI, she worked as the Creative Lead at The Brookings Institution, and as a sole practitioner providing creative services to a number of organizations, including universities, academic presses, national nonprofits and commercial clients.