
Education
Master of Arts in Science Writing
Johns Hopkins University, Washington, D.C.
May 2020–Aug. 2022
Graduate Certificate in Education, Environment, and Community
University of Washington, IslandWood, Bainbridge Island, WA
Aug. 2013–Aug. 2014
Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Italian
Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Aug. 2008–Aug. 2012
Experience
Scientific Writer
Publicis Sapient, Bellingham, WA | Jan. 2023–present
Contract: National Cancer Institute (NCI) Patient Information and Communications
Write and edit cancer information summaries for patients and the general public, applying plain language principles, SEO keyword and audience research, and features that improve website usability. Contribute to digital communications strategy, planning, and implementation. Create and execute communications of multiple content types, including patient and researcher stories, blog posts, web content, newsletters, social media posts, emails, and journal articles. Engage and collaborate with stakeholders across departments and position levels. Use Generative Artificial Intelligence to assist in content strategy and creation. Copyedit content according to the NCI Style Guide and Chicago Manual of Style for consistency across cancer.gov. Build accessible and modernized web pages using Drupal.
Contributing Writer
Salish Current, Bellingham, WA | Oct. 2022–present
Research, report, and write stories on science, technology, and the environment in the Salish Sea region.
Fact-Checker
Cancer Today, Bellingham, WA | Oct. 2022–Dec. 2022
Discover Magazine, Bellingham, WA | Aug. 2019–Dec. 2022
Reviewed stories (350 to 2,000 words) for accuracy and created error reports for editors. Conducted background research and interviewed scientists and healthcare providers to confirm story details. Coordinated with editors on tight deadlines and efficiently managed multiple projects simultaneously. Ensured consistent quality by proofreading stories to flag errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Science Writer
Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, Bellingham, WA | May 2022–Dec. 2022
Interpreted cancer research studies to create plain language summaries (1,500 words) for patients and families facing hereditary cancer. Informed readers on topics such as screening, risk factors, and treatment options based on study findings. Incorporated feedback from editors and subject matter experts to ensure easy-to-read, scientifically accurate content.
Contributing Writer
Discover Magazine, Bellingham, WA | Sept. 2021–Dec. 2022
Wrote engaging stories (600 to 1,000 words) on health, environment, and technology for online audiences. Delivered clean copy, free of glaring errors and style issues, to editors.
News Intern
Cascadia Daily News, Bellingham, WA | Jan. 2022–Apr. 2022
Covered breaking news and enterprise stories for Whatcom and Skagit Counties. Met deadlines and collaborated with editors in a fast-paced, daily news environment.
Seasonal Outdoor Educator / Program Coordinator
Various organizations and locations | Aug. 2013–Aug. 2018
Instructed and coordinated outdoor education programs that engaged students in science and nature.
Laboratory Technician
Richard Phillips Laboratory, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN | May 2012–May 2013
Assisted with the study of nutrient cycling and microbial communities in Eastern deciduous forests.
Skills
Experience writing about cancer and other health topics for online audiences
Distilling scientific research into plain language content
Consistently conforming to style guidelines
Performing and implementing SEO keyword research
Experience applying and managing agile methodology within projects
Experience with a variety of content management systems
Proficient in Microsoft 365 products and apps
Proficient in ethical use of GenAI across all aspects of content strategy, research, and creation
Awards
2024 NCI Director’s Award for Administrative Performance/Technical Support as part of the NCI Content Modernization Team
2021 National Association of Science Writers’ Student Writing Award
Languages & Volunteer Experience
Proficient in Italian
Bellingham Food Bank Volunteer