Experience
Research Writer, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 2022-present
Collaborates with cancer researchers and investigators at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute to write, edit, and format all components of grant applications and manuscripts in a way that best highlights the strengths of their ideas and expertise. Assists with institutional applications, such as the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Center Support Grant, which bestows NCI designation on approved cancer centers for an expansion of resources and center support. Maintains an advanced understanding of American Medical Association Style, advanced grammar, and accurate medical and scientific terminology. Applies accessible health literacy techniques for publications disseminated to lay audiences. Attends meetings with researchers across the cancer institute’s shared resources, grand rounds, open forums, and cancer administration.
Grant Specialist, Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, 2020-2022
Served as the primary grant writer and editor for grant proposals and grant documentation in the pre-award stage; served as the primary contact for subaward contracts. Assisted with the submission and management of grants in a variety of grants management systems, such as eRA Commons, Grants.gov, JUSTGRANTS, GrantSolutions, Amplifund, and others. Improved the way staff capture, access, and use grant making information to enhance programmatic and operational decision‐making, produced accurate reports of grant making results, enhanced grantee/grant seeker relationships, and enabled learning. Assisted in the development and ongoing maintenance of a system to track and report grant performance measures to funding bodies, leadership, or other parties as directed. Maintained the necessary records, files, reports, databases, and resource materials pertinent to grants activities to ensure effective Grants Department operation and compliance with Federal, state, and local regulations. Researched funding agencies and opportunities for future grant applications. Assisted with budgets that are included in grant applications and grant reports
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Grant Writer, Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, 2019-2020
Prepared compelling grant proposals to local, state, and federal agencies that demonstrate the need for financial support. Collaborates with program staff, fiscal staff, and Grants Director to formulate and complete narrative needs statements, goals and objectives, work plans, evaluation components, required charts and tables, as well as budgetary elements to ensure sustainability. Assists with grant modifications and contract renewals, including rewriting and updating narrative components and grant renewal budgets. Identifies and gathers information on potential projects. Maintains current records in database and in paper files, including grant tracking, and assumes other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Grants Director. Project areas of note are in Indian Child Welfare, domestic violence, the tribal health care system, the tribal courts system, and the tribal police department.
Science Writer, Health Science Beauty, LLC, 2019-present
Writes and edits science- and medical-related content, including blogs, product descriptions, web content, and training/research writing for aesthetics/dermatology professionals on a freelance contract basis.
Freelance Science Journalist, 2019-present
Writes essays, articles, feature stories, profiles, and other non-fiction prose on the environment, health, and other scientific concepts involving interviews, research, and the translation of technical scientific data into accessible stories for a lay audience.
Freelance Manuscript Editor, 2015-present
Reviews literary manuscripts for general grammatical and mechanical errors, craft development, and coherence, shaping the writer’s work into one that will be most appealing for the prospective audience. Assists with manuscript formatting, picture formatting, and other needs determined for publication.
Medical Writer and Editor, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 2019
Ensured that grant proposals (or manuscripts) adhered to application (or journal) guidelines and were responsive to the goals and review criteria of the funding agency and/or award mechanism. Electronically formatted text and figures. Edited text for style, grammar, and content. Worked collaboratively with investigators to produce compelling applications that highlight the strengths of their ideas and proposed research by:
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Editing substantively for clarity, persuasiveness, and logical flow, particularly in scientific rationale and experimental design
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Clarifying and refining the presentation and bases of hypotheses and specific aims, often with suggestions for graphics to enhance understanding of complex processes and procedures
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Evaluating document organization and suggesting revisions to improve clarity and logical flow
Professional Academic Advisor, University of Arkansas at Monticello, 2018-2019
Advised a range of students across the UAM campus, such as remedial students, Associate of Arts students, and athletes. Guided students into the right courses for their degree program, developed academic recovery plans for students who need to raise their GPAs, and created helpful academic materials such as handouts and workshops. Contacted and met with students regarding Academic Alert cases dealing with poor academic performance, attendance concerns, lack of course materials, and other concerns from the course professor.
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Adjunct Instructor for First Year Seminar, UAM, 2018-2019
Developed curricula and instructed students on a range of academic skills such as time management, study skills, note-taking, and writing, in addition to providing necessary information regarding the college campus and how to utilize its resources. Emphasized the importance of growth mindset, self-care, stress-management, among other personal obstacles that may interfere with academic success. Students learned a range of skills to prepare them for success in both college and in the professional realm.
Chemical Dependency Technician, New Beginnings Center for Alcohol and Substance Abuse, 2017-2018
Monitored residential and detox clients and ensured the followed facility rules, while documenting all required information for the group on a regular basis throughout the shift. Counted and distributed residential and detox clients' medications, collected vital signs, and observed and assisted detox clients around-the-clock.
Entertainment Consultant, AT&T, 2017
Conducted entertainment sales and services and provided technological support to customers. Handled and counted daily earnings, took inventory, and managed the store briefly.
Writing and Communications Consultant, University of Arkansas at Monticello, 2013-2017
Consulted with undergraduate and graduate students to assist in refining writing and communications projects, aiding throughout every stage of the writing process. Trained new consultants and conducted online consulting services while aiding in the operation and upkeep of the writing center space. Attended academic conferences over writing center scholarship and composed writing workshops and documents.
Associate Editor of The Philological Review, UAM, 2015-2017
Editor for entries submitted to the scholarly journal. Aided in selecting entries to be published, composed record keeping documents for each issue, and assisted in the design and production of journals. Assistantship is determined by application for the Mary-Claire Buffalo Scholarship through the UAM School of Arts and Humanities.
Teaching Assistant and Embedded Tutor, UAM, 2016
Collaborated with professors of remedial English courses to create a comfortable environment for students by allowing them to have a student mentor who is aware of their course material and is readily available to assist in writing projects. Aided in creating review materials and activities for students, as well as teaching new material when the professor was unable.
Hostess/To-Go Specialist, Chili’s Grill & Bar, 2012-2013
Greeted and sat guests according to rotation and restaurant requirements while also maintaining cleaning and professional duties. Exceptional experience with customer service and food service and experience in attending staff and corporate meetings regarding effective restaurant standards and sales execution.
Education
M.A., Science Writing, Johns Hopkins University, May 2019
Marine Science and Science Writing on the Emerald Isle Graduate Residency served July 2018
B.A., English, University of Arkansas at Monticello, May 2017
Concentration: Creative Writing
Minors: Biology and Communications
Concentration: Professional Writing
Publications
Black Mirror Magazine, May 2015
Short story entitled “Wrecked.”
Linden Avenue Literary Journal, October 2016
Short story entitled “Decomposing.”
805 Lit + Art Magazine, October 2016
Poem entitled “The Hunter.”
805 Lit + Art Magazine, April 2017
Poem entitled “Fish Hooked.”
Aphotic Realm Magazine, May 2017
Short story entitled “Cajoled.”
The Bookends Review, November 2017
Poem entitled “Triskaidekaphobia.”
The Bookends Review: Best of 2017, March 2018
Poem entitled “Triskaidekaphobia.”
CaféLit, April 2018
Short story entitled “A Field for Polly.”
Tales from the Realm: Volume One, May 2018
Short story entitled “Cajoled.”
Hollow, June 2019
Short story entitled “What a Pretty Thing.”
Door is a Jar Magazine, July 2019
Poem entitled “Breathless for Your Pleasure.”
Motherly, August 2019
Article entitled "All Magic Comes with a Price: Your Vision for Your Bundle of Joy."
The Smart Set, October 2019
Essay entitled "Dear Dell and the Suicide Pill."
The Mighty and Yahoo! Lifestyle, November 2019
Essay entitled "How to Overcome Anxiety with a Growth Mindset."
The English Pub, November 2019
Essay entitled "Living the Irish Story."
Arkansas's Best Emerging Poets, December 2019
Poems entitled "Driving North," "Letting," and "Light beyond the Body."
Tales of Reverie, December 2019
Short story entitled "Marian the Ventriloquist."
NonBinary Review, March 2021
Essay entitled "A Decade of Cosmic Demise: An Apocalyptic Debunking of The Road."
805 Lit + Art Magazine, expected June 2021
Essay entitled “The Embracing Ace.”
Red Weather, July 2021
Poems entitled “When the Claritin Won’t Work” and “I Was a Hoarder, Once.”
The Abbey Review, January 2022
Short story entitled “Seeing Red, Feeling Blue.”
QED: A Journal in GLBTQ Worldmaking, April 2022
Academic paper entitled “Non-Love Letters: Asexualizing Queer Love and Generosity,” co-authored with Dr. Adam Key of the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
Door Is A Jar Magazine, June 2022
Poems entitled “Anxiety,” “Heartache,” “Just One Tear,” and “Never Trust a Salesman.”
Kelp Journal, December 2022
Essay entitled "Eureka in the Ozarks: A Blanchard Springs Caverns Excursion."
Eastern Iowa Review, May 2023
Poem entitled "Kentucky Hills."
Hitting the Dead End, July 2023
Short story entitled "The Alley."
Medicine and Meaning, October 2023
Essay entitled "Food Gambles: Living with Eosinophilic Esophagitis."
Pyre Magazine, December 2023
Short story entitled "Yellow."
Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Magazine, March 2024
Articles entitled "Neurosurgeon Leads Glioblastoma Research"; "Tackling Multiple Myeloma with Bone Cells"; "Central High School Student Excels in UAMS Cancer Research Lab"; "Be a Part of the Cure Walk and Gala for Life Honor Patients and Community Support"; "New Radiation Oncology Center Brings the Most Advanced Technologies to Arkansas"; "New MammoVan Hits the Road"; and "Ronda Henry-Tillman, M.D., Inducted into Arkansas Black Hall of Fame."
Editorships
Associate Editor of The Philological Review, 2015-2017
Student Editor of Foliate Oak Literary Magazine, 2016
Contributing Editor of The Science Writer, 2023
Major Projects
Co-Founder of Citizen Scientist, 2019-present
Citizen Scientist is a social media project that aims to enhance science literacy and awareness by communicating about citizen-led scientific research and by encouraging citizens of all backgrounds to get involved in projects that advance and promote science.
Master of Arts in Science Writing Thesis, 2019
A polished portfolio of seven scientific essays and articles composed throughout the duration of the Johns Hopkins Master of Arts in Science Writing graduate program.
Senior Project in English, 2016
A compilation of four newly written ten-page short stories, over fifty pages of old work, including fiction and poetry, an artist statement describing my influences and practices as a creative writer, a craft-based essay over Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and a personal reflection describing evolution as a creative writer from point of entry into the creative writing program through senior year.
Continuing Education
Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics, Coursera, 2019
Writing in the Sciences, Coursera, 2023
Workshops
Poetry Workshop, 2017
Traveled to McGehee, Arkansas, to McGehee High School and conducted a poetry workshop in various classes at the local high school, exposing students to various forms of poetry and a variety of poets while sharing my own personal experiences as a poet. Performed both notable and original poems and conducted a poetry activity.
Grant Writing Workshop, 2022
Traveled to Monticello, Arkansas, to the University of Arkansas at Monticello during Professional Development Week to train faculty and staff in grant writing from the brainstorming and funding identification stages through submission and post-award implementation. The workshop included a 50-minute presentation and Q&A.
Conferences and Conventions
South Central Writing Centers Association Conference Presenter, 2014
Presented a collaborative paper and discussion alongside fellow UAM writing center consultants and faculty about the recreation of the UAM writing center, discussing the improvements and struggles of evolving the center from a computer lab to an operating writing center, introducing our new appointment system, tutoring practices, and discussing the resistance to change from students and faculty members at the university as well as praise given.
South Central Writing Centers Association Conference, 2016
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Outstanding Tutor Award Finalist
Alpha Chi National Convention Presenter, 2016
Presented a ten-page research paper entitled “Consolidating Sciences in the Writing Center: No More Pickles and Ice Cream” on instituting science writing practices in the university writing center, discussing ways to effectively work with science students on writing projects, as well as personal outreach to faculty members to address the needs of students in the sciences and promotion of writing center services and training.
Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference, 2017
Attended as the selected senior creative writing student for the experience of engaging with fellow creative writers, as well as assisting in the promotion of the University of Arkansas at Monticello MFA program.
Alpha Chi National Convention Presenter, 2017
Presented an original short story entitled “Yellow,” confronting the convention’s theme of “Transcending Boundaries” by approaching suicide and mental illness from a unique perspective.
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Thelma Hall Prize in Creative Writing Winner
Partners for Student Success Conference, 2018
Attended as a professional academic advisor to enrich professionalism and performance within a student services environment on the university campus, participating in panels over growth mindset and positivity in the classroom, identifying and diffusing students with suicidal intentions, and establishing engaging mentor groups for first-time freshmen, with an emphasis on on-campus residential students.
Memberships
American Medical Writers Association, 2019-2020