McCrary blends real-world art with digital storytelling
Mika McCrary joined ACEP in February as a social media storyteller.
April 30, 2026
By Yuri Bult-Ito
At the intersection of digital storytelling and hands-on artistry, Mika McCrary brings complex concepts to life with creativity and precision.
She joined ACEP’s storytelling team in February as a social media storyteller, helping with public outreach. Her work involves transforming ACEP newsletter and website posts into bite-size pieces for internet consumption with engaging scripts, videos and graphics. Part of her work also supports the Pacific Marine Energy Center. ACEP’s marine energy program is part of PMEC.
“Mika’s skills in both illustration and design software allows her to transform complex energy and engineering concepts into compelling visuals that elevate ACEP’s profile and make them accessible to a very broad audience,” said Amanda Byrd, who works closely with McCrary. “Beyond her technical expertise, her proactive collaboration and positive attitude make her an invaluable member of ACEP’s storytelling team.”
McCrary studied film and performing arts at the University of Alaska Fairbanks with a focus on filmmaking, animation and design, graduating in 2020. While an undergraduate, she gained valuable hands-on experience as a student assistant at the Center for Teaching and Learning, creating short films and educational videos alongside students and instructors. She also honed her graphic design skills, designing posters for the annual Film Club festival and animating title sequences for online courses.
After working many hours constantly immersed in digital media, McCrary sought to reconnect with traditional art. She discovered a passion for mixed media, blending tangible materials with digital canvases to create works that combine real-world textures and online storytelling.
“Bringing real-world elements to the digital landscape hits that part of my heart that loves nature,” she said.
Outside of her digital workspace, McCrary thrives in hands-on creativity. She enjoys designing on her computer while keeping her desk surrounded by small clay creations and knickknacks, often donning a crocheted hat for Zoom meetings. She admits that conventional desk work can be challenging, but when she finds her flow, she dives deeply into details others might overlook.
“I was lucky that Amanda remembered me from our time at a media convention in Las Vegas in 2024,” McCrary said, referring to how she was brought on with ACEP and PMEC. This opportunity allowed her to bring her diverse skills to ACEP and PMEC after a major reorganization at the Center for Teaching and Learning in 2025 that resulted in staff reductions and program eliminations.
Originally from Copper Center, Alaska, McCrary now lives in western Massachusetts. She looks forward to a summer working on a small fixer-upper cabin in the woods with her partner, where they plan to build a “catio,” or a cat patio, for their two cats — a setting sure to inspire her future digital creations.