Summary

Accomplished journalist and public relations professional with extensive experience in the areas of scientific research – particularly biomedical research – education, and the environment. Strong analytical abilities and strategic communications skills.

Employment

THE WISTAR INSTITUTE (PHILADELPHIA, PA)

* Director of Public Relations – May 2000 to present

Oversee all aspects of public relations for The Wistar Institute, an independent nonprofit biomedical research institution on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. Exercise full budgetary authority, with responsibility for hiring and supervising public relations staff and interns, as well as outside vendors such as writers, photographers, designers, printers, and others. In addition to primary responsibilities of media relations and publications management, duties also include providing support for Wistar’s technology transfer, development, and government relations offices. Regularly represent Wistar on legislative visits at the state and federal levels. Established The Wistar Institute Science Journalism Award, a national award judged by an independent committee of leading science journalists. Created the Wistar Author Series, which brings national authors of general-interest books about science and medicine to Wistar for public talks followed by book signings. Other notable accomplishments include facilitating a significant and strategically focused increase in media attention for Wistar researchers and their programs; rebranding the Institute with a new logo and tagline; supervising a total redesign of Focus, Wistar’s magazine for supporters and friends; producing a graphically and editorially sophisticated annual report; and coordinating a complete redesign, rewrite, and reorganization of the Institute’s web page.

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA MEDICAL CENTER (PHILADELPHIA, PA)

* Science Writer and Senior Press Officer – October 1995 to May 2000

Fostered relationships with key scientists to identify and publicize basic research advances in the biomedical laboratories of the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. Developed strategic approaches to issues and crises, as needed. Interviewed investigators to write news releases and articles for internal publications. Primary areas covered included AIDS/HIV, gene therapy, neurodegenerative diseases, pharmacology, microbiology, and genetics. Established and maintained relationships with national and international reporters and editors; arranged faculty interviews with journalists in print and broadcast media; counseled researchers on managing media interactions; and assisted in organizing news conferences. Designed and implemented electronic news distribution system, including posting to Internet science news sites and direct e-mail delivery to the desks of more than 200 science journalists.

THE SCIENTIST (PHILADELPHIA, PA)

* Senior News Editor – June 1993 to October 1995

Reported original in-depth national news and feature stories for The Scientist, a biweekly news magazine for the biomedical research community. Beats included the National Institutes of Health, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, academic science, research ethics, national science and education policy, and the profession of science. Also served as assignment editor for staff and freelance writers.

* Associate Editor – May 1992 to June 1993: As above, with responsibility for covering scientific instrumentation and information technologies.

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY (PRINCETON, NJ)

* Science Policy Researcher – July 1991 to May 1992

For the dean of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, policy studies focused on the roles of science and technology in society and on the organizational, educational, and funding structures – in government, industry, and the universities – best suited to fulfilling those roles.

FREELANCE (PRINCETON, NJ)

* Writer, Editor, and Photographer – August 1990 to July 1991

Bylined features on environmental, conservation, and natural science topics appeared in National Parks, Environment, and other magazines.

ST SYSTEMS CORPORATION (LANHAM, MD)

* Technical Writer and Editor – August 1986 to August 1990

Wrote and edited proposals, reports, and documentation for projects at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in atmospheric sciences and earth-observing satellite technologies; also provided computer graphics support. Edited the STAR, a newsletter for employees and clients.

HELDREF PUBLICATIONS (WASHINGTON, DC)

* Associate Editor – May 1985 to August 1986

Of Change, a magazine covering issues in higher education. Responsibilities included writing, editing, and managing production.

* Associate Editor – June 1984 to May 1985

Of Rocks and Minerals, a magazine for amateur geologists. Duties as above.

* Assistant Editor – July 1983 to May 1985

Of Weatherwise, a magazine for amateur meteorologists. Duties as above.

Education

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND – COLLEGE PARK, MD

* Bachelor of Arts in English, 1982

Awards

COUNCIL FOR ADVANCEMENT AND SUPPORT OF EDUCATION (CASE) – 1997

* Silver Medal Award in Research, Medicine, and Science Writing

Professional Societies

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCIENCE WRITERS (NASW) – 1993 to present

* Active Member

PHILADELPHIA-AREA SCIENCE WRITERS ASSOCIATION (PaSWA) – 2000 to present

* Co-Organizer and Active Member

References and work samples available on request

[last updated December 31, 2005]

[index.htm]