I've written about DNA debunking war elephant myths, horrifying human parasites that burrow through our skin, animal models paving the way for life-saving medical devices, and how the origin of all life on Earth led to our wacky ways of producing energy.

 

My stories have trended on Facebook and have been picked up by the New York Times, CNN, Wired, Yahoo News, VICE, Smithsonian Magazine, and others.

About

Experience

Associate Director of Communications | December 2020 - Present

Develop and implement a marketing and communications strategy to advance the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering mission and goals. Lead the creation and distribution of marketing materials through print and digital media. Oversee the department’s website, social media, alumni magazine, student marketing communications, advancement communications, alumni awards program, and publicity of research accomplishments.

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Communications Manager/Coordinator | November 2015 - December 2020

Oversaw the strategic communications for multimillion-dollar research projects that engineer crops to produce more food and bioenergy. Developed and implemented communications strategies to advance institutional missions and goals. Created and distributed digital and print marketing materials. Coordinated tours, media visits, meetings, and special events.

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Media Communications Specialist | Jun 2013 - Nov 2015

Illuminated breakthrough interdisciplinary research for internal and external audiences. Wrote and distributed news releases. Developed content for the internal newsletter. Co-edited Biomarker, an external advancement magazine. Helped conceptualize, write, and edit visionary annual reports. Launched the Twitter account @IGBIllinois.

Education

Master's in Advertising

College of Media

University of Illinois

2015 - 2017

Bachelor's in Agricultural Communications

College of Media

University of Illinois

2010 - 2013

Highest honors

 

Contact Me