Education

Master of Arts in Writing, concentration in science and medical writing. The Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, Maryland.

Master of Science in Environmental Science. Indiana University, School of Public and Environmental Affairs; Bloomington, Indiana.

Master of Public Affairs. Indiana University, School of Public and Environmental Affairs; Bloomington, Indiana.

Bachelor of Science, Department of Natural Resources. Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Ithaca, New York.

Professional Experience

Freelance Environment and Science Writer. January 2012 – present. See Published Works for links to my articles on environment and health. Published stories in The Washington Post, Pacific Standard, Scientific American, High Country News and others.

Thesis Advisor, The Johns Hopkins University, Science and Medical Writing Program. September 2018 – present. Advise graduate students on story and sentence structure and flow, word choice and grammar to ensure their portfolio of work meets university standards.

Writer/Editor, SkyTruth. September 2019 – April 2022. Managed and edited the blog of the conservation technology nonprofit SkyTruth and ensured that SkyTruth’s and work was communicated effectively. Crafted engaging blog and social media posts that expanded SkyTruth’s reach and readership, worked with staff and interns to develop and edit their technical blog posts and other writing, facilitated programmatic and strategic discussions, wrote grant proposals.

Science Communication Coach, COMPASS.  September 2015 – July 2019. Designed and led workshops to train environmental (and other scientists) on communicating more effectively with journalists, policymakers, and others. Worked with scientists on messaging of their research and effective outreach.

Independent Consultant, Turnstone Consulting.  April 2001 – December 2012. Independent consultant providing policy and program evaluation, project management, facilitation, strategic planning, and research and writing services to conservation groups, charitable foundations, and others. Issue areas included marine fisheries, sustainable seafood, marine protected areas, and ecosystem-based management.  See other work for samples of reports and projects.

Program Director/Vice-President, Marine Conservation Biology Institute (now Marine Conservation Institute).  January 1997 – March 2001. Ran Washington DC office of nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to advancing the science of marine conservation biology.  Organized and facilitated scientific workshops.  Conveyed information to policymakers, scientists, and the public in the popular and scientific literature.

Policy Analyst, Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund (now Earthjustice).  July 1995 – October 1996. Evaluated the impacts of federal water projects and policies on wildlife habitat.  Influenced legislation by analyzing legislative proposals, working with conservation allies and communicating information to Congress.

Evaluator/Senior Evaluator, U.S. General Accounting Office (now Government Accountability Office). January 1990 – July 1995. Designed, researched, and wrote reports and testimony for Congress evaluating federal environmental programs in the Interior Department, Army Corps of Engineers, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Continuing Education

Santa Fe Science Writing Workshop. May 2019

Conversa Language School.  San Jose, Costa Rica.  May 2003

Rhodes Academy of International Ocean Law and Policy. Rhodes, Greece. Diploma.  July 2000

Affiliations

National Association of Science Writers – Member

Southwest Science Writers Association – Founding Board Member

American Conservation Film Festival – Selector, Past President and Board Member

Awards & Honors

Humane Society of the United States

Genesis Award for outstanding online reporting and creative portrayal of animal protection issues in 2018.

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

• Environmental Hero Award 2000

U.S. General Accounting Office

• Meritorious Service Award, 1994
• Special Recognition for Outstanding Performance, Special Commendation Awards 1990-1994

Indiana University

• Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society

Cornell University

• Dean’s List
• Phi Kappa Phi and Ho-Nun-De-Kah Honor Societies