Education & Certifications
Technical Writer HQ
Technical Writer Certification, 2025
University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Master of Science Communication, Honors, endorsed in Science in Society, 2018
McDaniel College, Westminster, Maryland
B.A. in Psychology, cum laude, 2014
Additional classes in biology, chemistry, and neuroscience, August 2014-May 2015
University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
Additional classes in biology, anthropology, and technical writing, June-August 2014
Semesters abroad
Semester abroad at Bangor University, Wales, January-June 2013
Semester at Sea Program, University of Virginia, August-December 2012
Sandy Spring Friends School, Sandy Spring, Maryland
Graduated May 2010
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Work Experience
KiwiCo — Editor, Science Writer
Mountain View, CA
January 2019 - January 2025
Conceived, wrote, and edited fun, approachable science content for young learners (aged 3-16+), delivered via booklets, video scripts, and lesson plans
Wrote, edited, and tested instructions for over 200 DIY projects and learning kits for children
Primary fact checker and science consultant for print, video, and web content
Project manager for print collateral production, consistently delivering high-quality collateral on tight schedules while accounting for stakeholder feedback
Created and maintained documentation for best editorial practices, including style guides, standardized project calendars, communication guidelines, and quality control reference sheets
Promoted from associate editor to editor in 2020
OctoNation — Freelance Writer
Remote
July - September, 2020
Synthesized primary research on cephalopods and translated it into copy suitable for non-scientific audiences
Wrote and edited content for the “Octopedia” section of the website
Tuhura Otago Museum — communicator
Dunedin, New Zealand
September - December 2018
Facilitated visitor experiences at a science and history museum, including in an interactive gallery, an indoor tropical forest, and at a central information desk
Led daily talks in the butterfly pavilion in English and Maori
New Zealand Department of Conservation — Interpretive Panel Designer
Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, New Zealand
August 2016 - February 2017
Synthesized primary research on subtropical glaciers and identified key points to highlight for park visitors
Wrote and edited copy, designed layout, and created prototypes for new interpretive panels for highly-trafficked walking trails to Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Entomology Department Intern
Washington, D.C.
June 2015 - January 2016
Assisted with research on ant phylogenies and genetics, including sterile lab work
Photographed and documented over 200 ant specimens for a published biodiversity survey and for the AntWeb database, including type specimens and new species
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Q?rius Education Program Team Member
Washington, D.C.
June 2015 - January 2016
Facilitated visitor experiences in an interactive section of the museum, including answering questions about museum navigation, collections, and research
Provided information and interpretation of natural history objects on display
McDaniel College Biology Department — Lab Assistant
Westminster, MD
August 2014 - May 2015
Assisted in the vertebrate anatomy lab as needed, including with an extensive study comparing jaw joints in fish
Managed and maintained the lab’s 3D printer and associated computer programs
McDaniel College Psychology Department — Writing Fellow
Westminster, MD
August - December 2014
Helped teach undergraduate psychology students how write clearly and efficiently for academia and publication
Copyedited and proofread drafts in progress to help students succeed
McDaniel College Psychology Department — Student Research Assistant
Westminster, MD
February - May 2014
Observed, timed, categorized, and catalogued rats’ behavior in various anxiety and curiosity tests as part of another student’s original research on responses to different drug combinations
Helped care for rat subjects outside of testing
Audubon Naturalist Society — Camp Counselor / Volunteer coordinator
Chevy Chase, MD
June - August 2012 and 2013
Supervised and taught nature-themed lessons to campers aged 4-15 years old (including on overnight trips)
Developed and implemented daily training programs for teen volunteers (CITs)
Managed camp office and operational logistics as needed
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Publications & Notable Projects
The Wild Focus Project: www.wildfocus.org
May 2017 - Present
Original website to bring together wildlife photography, conservation, and storytelling. Features information about biodiversity, stories about photographers, and a blog.
"Cameras for Conservation: How Photographing Wildlife Affects Engagement with Biodiversity"
Published March 2019 in Human Dimension of Wildlife
Manuscript based on empirical research into the psychological effects of photographing wildlife, conducted for master's thesis. Co-authors: Ross Johnston (thesis supervisor) and Nancy Longnecker. Presented at the 2018 Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) Conference in Dunedin, New Zealand. PDF available for download from ResearchGate.
Kruger National Park: Animal Tales
Published in January 2017 in the iBookstore (Now Apple Books)
Interactive iBook about the wildlife and ecosystems of Kruger National Park, South Africa. Focuses on each of the "Big Five" game animals to discuss various aspects of biology, conservation, and park management.
"Museums and Their Role in Modern Society"
Aired in January 2017 on Our Changing World, a popular science program on Radio New Zealand
Short podcast discussing whether or not museums are still relevant in today's digital world. Listen on the RNZ website.
Shedding Some Light: A Dunedin Dark Skies Initiative
Displayed August and November 2016 at the Otago Museum and the Dunedin City Council
Mobile interactive exhibition about light pollution in Dunedin, New Zealand, featuring interpretive panels and working miniature models of different types of street lights against the "night sky". Conceived, designed, and managed the construction of the exhibition.
Backyard Experiments: www.backyardexperiments.wordpress.com
March - May 2016
Wordpress blog for children aged 8-12 (and their parents), focusing on fun science experiments that can be done at home.
Photos for "Ants of the South Rupununi Savannah, Guyana"
Published in 2016 as a chapter of the Biodiversity Assessment Survey of the South Rupununi Savannah Guyana
Photos of ant specimens were published, including images of rare species. As part of this project, I captured the first known images of the species Dolichoderus inpai.
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Skills
Science and nonfiction writing, audience analysis
Copyediting, proofreading
Scientific literacy, understanding statistics, fact checking
Technical writing, writing and testing instructions
Team and people management; collaboration
Project management, prioritization, multitasking
Conducting interviews with subject matter experts
Microsoft Office programs and their Google equivalents: Word, PowerPoint, Excel
Web design; Website management and analytics; Squarespace, Wordpress
Basic graphic design using Photoshop/Photoshop Elements, Pixelmator, iBooks Author
DSLR photography (including astrophotography, macrophotography, and microphotography)
Photo editing using Photoshop/Photoshop Elements, Pixelmator, Picasa
Research and analysis: quantitative and qualitative methods, SPSS, Qualtrics, synthesizing literature
3D printing using an Orion Delta Desktop 3D printer and the programs Cura and Repetier Host
Museum specimen care, maintenance, organization, and documentation