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Science, Medical and Technical Writer/Editor.
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I am experienced in providing a range of writing and editing services, including but not limited to:
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Specialties
Biomedical Sciences
Microbiology, Virology, Immunology, Pharmacology, Glycobiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Development
Trained through the UC San Diego Biomedical Sciences PhD program, I have first hand laboratory experience in many fields of biomedical research. UCSD provided many invaluable learning opportunities, with courses taught by nobel laureates such as Roger Tsien and seminars hosted by influential alumni such as Craig Venter. Within walking distance of world renowned research institutions including the Salk Institute, The Burnham Institute, Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Hospital and hundred of pharmaceutical and biotech companies, the unique collaborative atmosphere of the San Diego biomedical industry introduced me to the continuum and discrepancies between science, industry and medicine. These experiences give me unique insight into the science and business of biomedical research. ( Research Experience )
Medicine and Health Policy
Personalized Medicine and Pharmacogenomics, Infectious Disease, Metabolic Syndromes, Cancer, Health and Nutrition
As an inaugural member of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Med-into-Grad program, I was introduced to the practice of clinical medicine by shadowing teams of physicians, pharmacists and other medical practitioners at the San Diego VA Hospital. The experience opened my eyes to the needs of the patient and the needs of the physicians in making diagnoses and implementing treatment regimens, a perspective that most scientists are unaware of.
I observed the ever-widening gap between scientific research and medical practice first hand. In the laboratory, the advances of molecular medicine forge ahead at lightening speed. Unfortunately, lack of communication and understanding between these fields creates a disconnect that holds modern medicine back from the potential offered by science.
The Med-into-Grad program taught me to bridge these gaps. Using my unique background and training I am able to understand the needs, capabilities and limitations of both science and medicine, and to effectively communicate between them. I am able to identify and address gaps in translational research (particularly diagnostics) and to initiate collaborations to effectively bridge these gaps.
Ultimately, the Med-into-Grad program trained me as a liaison between science, medicine and the public. This role is essential for the future of medicine. Only by integrating these divergent fields and aligning priorities for the common goal of improving patient care will progress be made towards accelerating medical advances.
Writing affords me the opportunity to use my expertise to cover in depth topics in health, disease, medical practice and biomedical research, while also using my unique perspective to relate these topics to each other and to bigger issues such as health policy. I aim to address major issues dividing translation research, medical practice and public opinion to promote a cooperative and productive atmosphere for medical progress.
I observed the ever-widening gap between scientific research and medical practice first hand. In the laboratory, the advances of molecular medicine forge ahead at lightening speed. Unfortunately, lack of communication and understanding between these fields creates a disconnect that holds modern medicine back from the potential offered by science.
The Med-into-Grad program taught me to bridge these gaps. Using my unique background and training I am able to understand the needs, capabilities and limitations of both science and medicine, and to effectively communicate between them. I am able to identify and address gaps in translational research (particularly diagnostics) and to initiate collaborations to effectively bridge these gaps.
Ultimately, the Med-into-Grad program trained me as a liaison between science, medicine and the public. This role is essential for the future of medicine. Only by integrating these divergent fields and aligning priorities for the common goal of improving patient care will progress be made towards accelerating medical advances.
Writing affords me the opportunity to use my expertise to cover in depth topics in health, disease, medical practice and biomedical research, while also using my unique perspective to relate these topics to each other and to bigger issues such as health policy. I aim to address major issues dividing translation research, medical practice and public opinion to promote a cooperative and productive atmosphere for medical progress.
Pharmaceuticals and Drug Development
Surrounded by a thriving community of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, UCSD provided the ideal setting to learn about drug development. I took full advantage of this opportunity as a participant in a collaborative course sponsored by UCSD and the Burnham Institute, which covered the industry from molecular conceptualization and computer modeling to clinical trials and FDA approval. Touring cutting edge R&D facilities and learning from industry professionals such as Dr. Tomas Mustelin, VP of drug discovery at Amgen, I learned not only the theory behind drug development, but also the implementation into successful practice. (Course Website)
In addition, I spent 3 years at UCSD's Center for AIDS Research working on a research project in collaboration with Merck Pharmaceuticals. Testing small molecule drug entities as a treatment for HIV, I learned how to contribute as an industry team member, working together to direct a project in accordance with the pointed goals of the company. Exposure to this cooperative and driven approach to research was invaluable in translating what I learned in the classroom to real world knowledge.
These training experiences give me valuable insight in covering stories in the pharmaceutical industry, from the scientific research to business and marketing models. Reporting on meetings such as the San Diego BioPharma Conference, I continue to develop my expertise in this area.
In addition, I spent 3 years at UCSD's Center for AIDS Research working on a research project in collaboration with Merck Pharmaceuticals. Testing small molecule drug entities as a treatment for HIV, I learned how to contribute as an industry team member, working together to direct a project in accordance with the pointed goals of the company. Exposure to this cooperative and driven approach to research was invaluable in translating what I learned in the classroom to real world knowledge.
These training experiences give me valuable insight in covering stories in the pharmaceutical industry, from the scientific research to business and marketing models. Reporting on meetings such as the San Diego BioPharma Conference, I continue to develop my expertise in this area.
Conservation
Nature
has always played an important role in my life. From hiking, to
camping, to scuba diving I have always enjoyed wide expanses of
wilderness and appreciated the flora and fauna that call these
pristine places home. As an undergraduate I pursued this interest by
getting involved in field research. Studying dolphins in the Gulf of
Mexico and koalas in the Australian bush, I learned the intricacies
of both marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and how human activity
impacts the delicate balance of these relationships. This insider view of conservation science gives me an advantage in covering these
stories and interviewing field researchers, as I am able to
understand the process and challenges of this work first hand.
While my graduate studies took me out of the field and into the laboratory, I stayed in touch with the conservation beat through The Sierra Club, Audobon Society and other like-minded conservation organizations. After completing my PhD, I rekindled my bond with nature as a volunteer for the San Diego Zoo and its research arm, the Institute for Conservation. Volunteer training consists of intensive coursework including animal and plant genetics, evolution, behavior, enrichment, breeding programs, conservation missions and public education, in addition to behind the scenes tours and training from zoo keepers, veterinarians and research scientists. This all encompassing view of animal husbandry and conservation efforts gives me a firm grasp of current issues in conservation and programs aimed at addressing these concerns. I continue to explore these important issues through my writing.
While my graduate studies took me out of the field and into the laboratory, I stayed in touch with the conservation beat through The Sierra Club, Audobon Society and other like-minded conservation organizations. After completing my PhD, I rekindled my bond with nature as a volunteer for the San Diego Zoo and its research arm, the Institute for Conservation. Volunteer training consists of intensive coursework including animal and plant genetics, evolution, behavior, enrichment, breeding programs, conservation missions and public education, in addition to behind the scenes tours and training from zoo keepers, veterinarians and research scientists. This all encompassing view of animal husbandry and conservation efforts gives me a firm grasp of current issues in conservation and programs aimed at addressing these concerns. I continue to explore these important issues through my writing.
