Qualifications

Qualifications

Education

My education gives me strong grounding in both science and language.

University of Maryland, College Park
BS Biochemistry, cum laude, with Honors in Zoology
BA Linguistics, magna cum laude

University of California, San Diego, and the Salk Institute
MS Neurosciences
PhD Neurosciences

University of California, San Francisco
Postdoctoral Fellow
The Keck Center for Integrative Neuroscience

Certification

Certified by the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences, 2002
BELS evaluates proficiency with editing in the life sciences in accordance with internationally recognized standards.

Teaching

This is another great way to apply my communications skills, whether I am teaching scientific content or writing. I have had several opportunities to share my knowledge, including:

  • Development and teaching of “Introduction to the Nervous System,” a credit workshop in the AMWA curriculum
  • Assisting with teaching scientific writing to scientists
  • Development and presentation of lectures on neurological medicine for medical students

American Medical Writers Association (AMWA)

My active role in the American Medical Writers Association, one of the premier associations for biomedical communicators, speaks to my interest in ongoing professional development, my close ties with colleagues, and my organizational and leadership skills. The following is a selection of my contributions to the organization:

  • North Central Chapter Co-Secretary [webmaster] (2013-2016)
  • Roundtable leader, 2014 Annual Conference
  • Speaker, 2011 and 2012 Annual Conferences
  • Member, Poster Selection Committee for 2011 Annual Conference
  • Development and teaching of Introduction to the Nervous System, a credit workshop in the Concepts in Science and Medicine curriculum
  • Registrar and Facilities Coordinator, 2008 Pacific Coast Conference
  • Director, 2006 Pacific Coast Conference
  • Northern California Chapter President (2004-2005), President-elect (2003-2004), and Secretary/Newsletter Editor (2002-2003)
  • Member, Science Curriculum Task Force (creating a new science curriculum for medical writers), Elections Task Force
  • National Board of Directors, 2003-2005