Media & Writing

When I was in 8th grade, my English teacher told me I could write. Before that point, I never considered myself a writer, and I never enjoyed it much. Reading was my thing. I read all sorts of books, from nonfiction science to The Babysitters Club to adult fiction mysteries. Science was also my thing, with two parents working in health care (pharamacy and medical sales). But that compliment about my writing got me going. It is amazing how encouragement from one teacher can work wonders for young minds.

In college, I started out in microbiology but switched majors at least four times before finally landing on writing. As a journalism major with a specialization in online media, I wrote for The Gainesville Sun during my time at the University of Florida.

In graduate school, I discovered my love of teaching the craft of writing. I taught newswriting and reporting classes at Ohio State University, and as a professor at University of Wyoming, I taught many different journalism classes (e.g., media writing, feature writing, multimedia production, web design). I developed the curriculum for these journalism classes, taught the classes, edited student work, and mentored graduate students and colleagues who also taught these classes.

As a media expert, I worked with journalists, editors, and press associations as an expert on misinformation, political communication, and science in society issues. I served as a liaison between the university, students, and media outlets in Wyoming, establishing a journalism internship program funded by NSF and focused on science journalism. I have coached scientists how to more effectively communicate with journalists, and I have coached journalists on how to more effectively interview scientists.

My experiences as a journalist made me a better researcher and media coach to scientists and other experts. My experiences as a researcher made me more compassionate, knowledgeable, and reflective of the critical role that journalists play in our society.

Check out samples of my research publications, visual design, grant writing, media interviews, newswriting and newsletters, video presentations and slides, and photography.