Communications Background

Curator and Science Writer, Univadis News
May 2016 to present

Univadis News is a news site for physicians, surgeons, and specialists that summarizes new clinical research that directly impacts patient care. Curators/Science Writers review new clinical research published in peer-reviewed journals, select studies of greatest importance to clinicians, and summarize them for a readership of 4 million health care professionals around the world. Topics include lung cancer, mental health, opioid use disorder, pain, headache, interventional cardiology, valvular heart disease, cardiac imaging, and congenital heart disease. Contribute 1-3 summaries daily Monday-Friday. All work done remotely.

Freelance writer and editor
November 2004 to March 2013; September 2014 to present

Report on a variety of topics in the areas of science, medicine, and technology, writing brief and feature articles and profiles for such print and online publications as Science, ScienceNOW, Boston Globe, BioTechniques, Oncology Times, BrainWork, and American Archaeology, as well as a variety of university magazines, including those published by Harvard University School of Medicine, Kenyon College, University of Chicago, Ohio State University, Marietta College, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Also contribute to projects related to communications consulting, development of white papers, and magazine publishing. 

Senior Science Writer and Editor
April 2013 to August 2014 | Marketing and Public Relations
Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio

Wrote news and feature articles on a variety of health and medical topics for internal and external print and electronic publications, including Pediatrics Nationwide, a new national magazine aimed at physicians, and PediatricsOnline, a bimonthly online publication for physicians and medical specialists nationwide. Covered research and clinical work in genetics, cardiology, neurology, pediatric and neurosurgery, and pulmonary medicine and was a member of the editorial team that launched Pediatrics Nationwide in spring 2014. 

Contributing editor, Science magazine
February 2006 to 2010

Served as contributing editor of the Random Samples department for Science magazine when staff editors were unavailable. Duties included building a weekly story list; assigning, editing, and writing articles; coordinating art acquisition with design department; and proofing pages before going on press. All work done remotely.

Associate Director and Manager, Media Relations and Publications, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research | February 2003 to May 2004

Coordinated media relations and publications programs for Whitehead Institute, a nonprofit biomedical research institute affiliated with Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Supervised a full-time senior science writer and several freelance writers, photographers, illustrators and designers; fielded media requests for faculty interviews; edited and wrote news stories on faculty research. Created a new biannual research magazine, Paradigm, and served as its editor; edited Discovery, a biannual alumni and institutional magazine; produced other print and online publications and managed an annual budget of nearly $400,000.

Director of Research Communications/Associate Director of News Services & Periodicals/Science Writer and Managing Editor, Ohio University | July 1996-January 2003

Began at Ohio University in 1996 as a science writer and was promoted to Associate Director of University News Services in 1998 and to Director of Research Communications in 1999. Supervised a full-time assistant director and administrative assistant, ran an internship program with 3-5 journalism and design students, and oversaw a team of freelance writers, illustrators, photographers, and designers. Creating editor of the nationally award-winning Perspectives magazine and supervised the production of news releases, a TV science series, and several other print and online publications. Managed operating and publications budgets of approximately $235,000. As Associate Director of University News Services and Periodicals, assisted the Executive Director in the day-to-day operations of the news office, served as editor of Perspectives, and wrote and edited research news releases.

Associate Editor and Science Writer, Ohio State University | November 1994 to July 1996

Writer/Editor in the Office of Research Communications at Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio. Wrote news releases on research from the colleges of engineering and math and physical sciences and contributed feature articles for the faculty/staff newspaper, an alumni tabloid, and a cancer-related magazine.

Staff Writer, Science and Medicine beat | May 1990 to September 1994
The Tuscaloosa News | Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Health and science reporter for The Tuscaloosa News in Alabama, a member of The New York Times Regional Newspaper Group. Coordinated content for the weekly health section, including art selection and page design. Also contributed articles to other news sections, including breaking news.

Organizing and Legislative Advocacy

Co-Leader, Suit Up Maine | February 2017 to present

Co-leader of Suit Up Maine (SUM), a statewide, all-volunteer, independent, grassroots constituent action group that seeks to build a more informed and engaged electorate across Maine’s 16 counties by raising awareness of and advocating for policies and legislation that promote equity and equality in civil rights, social justice, health care, the environment, education, the economy, and other areas that affect the lives of all people. Curate, research, and write calls to action, guides, and explainers, which are shared with our 5,000 members and with a network of dozens of other grassroots groups around the state via our website, email list, and social media channels. Collaborate with other grassroots groups, advocacy organizations, nonprofits, legislators and staff on state and federal legislation and policy. Created and maintain SUM’s website and manage the group’s email newsletter and Twitter and Instagram accounts. Coordinate the Maine Legislature Roundup, which tracks 50-75 bills each session, identified through partnerships with advocacy organizations and legislators. Manage the Voter Dashboard each election season, including the GOTV to Win resource. 

EDUCATION

The University of Alabama | Bachelor of Arts in journalism, news and editing focus, May 1992

Ohio University | Master of Science in journalism, science writing focus, June 2001

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES & COMMUNITY SERVICE

Emerge Maine, Class of 2018
Secretary, Waldoboro Recreation Committee, 2018 to present
Volunteer, New Hope for Women, 2017-2018
Member, National Association of Science Writers, 1995 to present
Member, Board of Directors, National Association of Science Writers, 2005 to 2010
Co-chair, NASW Internet Committee, February 2004 to 2010
Co-chair, NASW Education Committee and Mentoring Program, February 1997 to May 2004
President, University Research Magazine Association, October 2002 to October 2005
Host Judge, CASE Circle of Excellence Awards 2000, 2001 and 2004, Best Articles of the Year category
Co-Chair, 2002 CASE Editors’ Forum