Brief Biography
Summary
I am a freelance writer and editor with experience and interests in many areas of science, health, nature, and gardening. I transitioned into this field after working for about 24 years in finance and project management. I earned a BS in Biology and an MS in Computational Biology in midlife. I also have an earlier BS in Accounting.
Work History
2006 to present - Freelance Science Writer and Editor
(part time, turning full time in late 2011)
Research a wide variety of scientific and medical topics and write articles for general audiences that have appeared in regional publications.
2006 to 2010 - Senior Manager, Merck, New Jersey
Developed clinical manuscripts, abstracts, and posters for five therapeutic areas (contraception, fertility, hormone therapy, neuroscience, and anesthesia). Managed staff and freelance medical writers and editors.
2004 to 2006 - Freelance Scientific Writer
Analyzed clinical trial data and prepared manuscripts for submission to medical journals.
1997 to 2004 - Manager, Berlex Laboratories, New Jersey
Served as internal business and financial consultant to clinical development teams. Managed the budgeting and financial analysis functions for the diagnostic imaging strategic unit.
1980 to 1997
Held positions of increasing responsibility in several large corporations and a public accounting firm.
Education
MS, Computational Biology, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 2004
BS, Biology (GPA: 3.98), William Paterson University, 2001
Awarded a Center for Science research grant to study Pycnanthemum torrei, a rare plant found in a nature preserve near campus.
BS, Accounting, Summa cum Laude, Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1980
Technical Skills
Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
AMA and Chicago editorial styles
Literature searches using PubMed and other databases
HTML
Statistical analysis
Digital photography and image processing
Professional Affiliations
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Botanical Society of America
Torrey Botanical Society
Certification
Certified Public Accountant (inactive), State of New Jersey
CPA turned Science Writer? This is not as odd as it sounds. Many traits of a good CPA are similar to those of a good Science Writer. These include attention to detail, accuracy, adherence to deadlines, analytical and communications skills, and diplomacy.