[Writing] [Editing] [Background] [Availability/contact information] [Publications]
I think science is one of the most exciting and rewarding of all human activities. My goal as a writer is to convey scientific and technical information as clearly, economically, and elegantly as possible. I want to help the general public understand the many ways that scientific research affects their lives and enriches our understanding of the world around us, and to make it easier for scientists to communicate with each other and with the public.
I began doing freelance science writing twelve years ago, and for three years I've been writing regular posts for my web site, The Thinking Meat Project, where I write about brain science, human behavior, human evolution, and related topics. In addition to frequent posts giving clear and engaging descriptions of recent developments in these areas, I also write longer pieces and book reviews. Other publications are listed below. I'm comfortable writing for the web or other electronic media as well as for print.
My main fields of interest are astronomy, psychology, brain science, and human evolution, and I'm always alert for connections between any of these areas and the arts and humanities.
Editing, like other crafts, involves taking useful materials and refining them to their maximum utility and beauty. I am proficient at various levels of editing, from ensuring compliance with a style guide to substantive editing to optimize clarity, organization, and flow.
I have several years of experience as a freelance science editor, including two years of editing news items written by scientists for the SPIE Newsroom in the areas of remote sensing, networking and communications, and astronomy. I also freelance for a company that edits scientific papers written by those for whom English is a second language. In the mid-1990s, I worked on book projects for a publication services company.
I've worked for nine years as a full-time technical editor and writer, producing and maintaining computer documentation for IT services at Indiana University. As a result, I've learned how to work well with subject experts to present their ideas and information effectively.
I am currently accepting freelance writing and editing assignments. I'm interested in projects ranging in scope from single articles to larger projects in electronic media or book-length manuscripts. Contact me at:
Mary Hrovat
mhrovat at gmail dot com
812-335-0024
My most recent work is available on my web site, The Thinking Meat Project, where I write about brain science, human behavior, human evolution, and related topics. Other work is listed below. If you would like to see paper copies of any of the articles listed below, please contact me.
Book review: Beautiful Minds: The Parallel Lives of Great Apes and Dolphins, by Maddalena Bearzi and Craig B.Stanford Posted on Metapsychology Online Reviews (Volume 12, Issue 42, October 14, 2008)
Book review: Your brain on Cubs: Inside the heads of players and fans, edited by Dan Gordon Posted on Metapsychology Online Reviews (Volume 12, Issue 28, July 8, 2008)
"Walking Into the Future: Pedestrian-Friendly Communities," The Ryder, March 18, 2008, 19-21.
Book review: Managing your mind: The mental fitness guide, by Gillian Butler and Tony Hope Posted on Metapsychology Online Reviews (Volume 12, Issue 10, March 4, 2008)
"Valedictory for Galileo," The Ryder, October 2003, 28-32.
"Ancient Mayans Meet Modern Media." Indiana Alumni Magazine 65:3 (January/February 2003): 28-30.
"Strange Happenings," Research & Creative Activity 24 (Spring 2002): 25-27.
"Going with the Flow," Research & Creative Activity 24 (Spring 2002): 18-19.
"Quantum Mechanics Meets the Information Age," Research & Creative Activity 23 (September 2000): 25-27.
"The World's Most Performed Playwright," LSAmagazine 23 (Fall 1999): 5-6, 8-10.
"The Human Face of Information," Research & Creative Activity 22 (September 1999): 46-47.
"Making the Connection," Research & Creative Activity 22 (September 1999): 34.
"New Opportunities in New Media," Research & Creative Activity 22 (September 1999): 44-45.
"Farming Brings Change in Plains Weather," Discovery Online News Brief, July 28, 1998.
"Energy From the Wind," Research & Creative Activity 20 (January 1998): 11-13.
"Meeting Energy Needs, Maintaining the Environment," Research & Creative Activity 20 (January 1998): 14.
Changing Federal Science Funding and Policy, Occasional Paper, no. 2 (Bloomington, Ind.: Indiana University Institute for Advanced Study, 1997)
Funding the Future, Occasional Paper, no. 1 (Bloomington, Ind.: Indiana University Institute for Advanced Study, 1997)
"Coming Home" (an autobiographical essay), Star Thrower Publishing, 1997.
"Healthy Sexuality and Adolescents," Research & Creative Activity 20 (September 1997): 27.
"Reconceptualizing Sexual Arousal," Research & Creative Activity 20 (September 1997): 21-22, 24-26."Serving the Community, Enriching the Profession," Research & Creative Activity 20 (September 1997): 23.
"Bringing Public Finance Home," Research & Creative Activity 20 (April 1997): 34.
"Public Finance, Public Affairs," Research & Creative Activity 20 (April 1997): 31-33.
"Avoiding Purple Leisure," Research & Creative Activity 19 (January 1997): 26.
"A Legacy of Help for Young Athletes," Research & Creative Activity 19 (January 1997): 20-22.
"Finding the Shape of Information," Research & Creative Activity 19 (September 1996): 15-19.
"Scoping Out the Future: IU's New Telescope Opens the Heavens," The Ryder, June 1996, 6-8.
"A Comet for My Birthday," The Ryder, March 15, 1996, 18-21.
"Astronomy's Top Ten: 1995," The Ryder, January 26, 1996, 10-11.
"Galileo: Long Distance Voyager," The Ryder, December 1995, 22-25.
I've also written encyclopedia articles on topics in the history of science.