I am a writer specializing in science and nature.
Topics in ecology and the environment, conservation, natural history, and the life sciences particularly
interest me. While my writing spans a variety of scientific fields, it is not bound by science alone.
SKILLS AND INTERESTS
• Writing and reporting: Science news writing, feature writing, content writing, broadcast writing and copy editing.
• Science blogging & social media: Maintaining a personal science blog; social media networking (Twitter, blogging, LinkedIn and Facebook).
• Computer programs and CMS: Final Cut Pro, Soundtrack Pro, Aperture, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Office, iLife suite, iWork suite, WordPress, Blogger, and iWeb.
EDUCATION
• Master of Arts in Journalism (Specialization: Science/Medical), Dec. 2010; Hofstra University: School of Communication, Department of Journalism, Media Studies, and Public Relations
• Certificate in Conservation Biology, May 2010; Columbia University: Center for Environmental Research and Conservation
• Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, minor in Visual Arts, May 2007; Eckerd College
EXPERIENCE
• Freelance science journalist: Self-employed; May 2010—present; Manhasset, NY
Clients: Long Island Herald, WMNF 88.5FM Community Radio Tampa Bay, USGS Sound Waves, Bay Soundings, redOrbit, Scientific American, Ars Technica and The Miami Planet.
• Public information intern: American Geophysical Union; September 2011-December 2011; Washington, DC
Assess newsworthiness of scientific findings in papers recently accepted for publication in AGU journals, write and disseminate science related press releases and blog posts, organize press conferences for Fall Meeting 2011 and responsible for the upkeep of science-specific social media outreach on Twitter.
• Social media consultant: Thermo Fisher Scientific; February 2011-November 2011; Waltham, MA
Developed and implemented a corporate social media initiative to spread news, increase interactivity with customers and build brand awareness. Managed Twitter and Facebook accounts, and advised executives and social media account holders on prescribed actions for a uniform social media strategy.
• Science journalism intern: United States Geological Survey; June 2010-August 2010; St. Petersburg, FL
Wrote internal news releases for the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, as well as articles for the USGS Coastal and Marine Geology program newsletter “Sound Waves” and outside publications; edited USGS Coastal and Marine Geology podcasts using Final Cut Pro; produced stories for WMNF 88.5 FM Community Radio Tampa Bay.
• Specialist: Apple, Inc.; Sept. 2009-May 2010; Manhasset, NY
Assisted customers with making informed decisions on their technological purchases, booked appointments and checked in customers for repairs and One to One lessons, taught customers the basics of Mac OS X, troubleshot minor technological issues.
• Research Assistant: Eckerd College; May 2006-May 2007; St. Petersburg, FL
Conducted plant sampling (number of branches, number of leaves, plant height, basal width) for 30 specimens of white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa), determined crab density of fiddler crabs (Uca spp.), acquired soil-water samples using an interstitial sipper and conducted soil-water analysis. Results were published in Smith, N. et al. 2009 Marine Biology.
• Intern: Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute; Sept. 2006-Dec. 2006; St. Petersburg, FL
Assisted with capture and scientific analysis of game fish species in the Fisheries Independent Monitoring department.
• Husbandry Intern: Florida Aquarium; May 2005-Dec. 2005; Tampa, FL
Prepared diets and performed feedings for numerous species; including birds, reptiles, fish and marine invertebrates; logged 270 hours, the equivalent of two years volunteer service, in 6 months.
SCIENCE OUTREACH
• Founder and Creative Director, This Is What A Scientist Looks Like; Jan. 2012-present
An ongoing community photo project in which scientists submit their photo and a small blurb about themselves. The goal of the project is to challenge the stereotypical perception of a scientist. It has been profiled by Scientific American, Nature and The Washington Post.
• Founder and Organizer, #DCscitweetup (DC Science Tweetup); Sept. 2011-present
A monthly event that brings together people with in an interest in science, science communication, science education, science writing, blogging, online social networks and science journalism.
- DCscitweetup was invited to co-host with National Geographic at one of their National Geographic Live events for the November 2011 tweetup.
AWARDS & HONORS
• Accepted for publication in The Best Science Writing Online 2012, an annual anthology of the best writing on science blogs formerly known as The Open Laboratory
• Finalist, 3 Quarks Daily 2011 Prize in Science, “Prehistoric Clues Provide Insight into Climate’s Future Impact on Oceans”
PRESENTATIONS
• “Visual storytelling through science/nature photography” - Science Online 2011; Research Triangle Park, NC (Jan. 15, 2011)
• “Institutional Blogging: Online outreach for science, conservation, education and government organizations” -Science Online 2011; Research Triangle Park, NC (Jan. 15, 2011)
• Guest speaker on science blogging and alternative science careers for Sci101: Integrated Physical Science – St. Leo University; St. Leo, FL (Sept. 28, 2010)
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
• DC Science Writers Association: (2011-present)
• National Association of Science Writers: (2011-present)
• Society for Environmental Journalists: (2010-present)
• Society for Conservation Biology: (2007-2011)
CERTIFICATIONS
• ESRI Training in ArcView 3.x (2006)
• Project WILD Certified (2004)