Services
Featured work
News features
Through my focus on food, I explore science, agriculture, sustainability, health, environmental justice, culture, and flavor.
I deliver explainers on underreported emerging concerns, like how microplastics could spread infectious disease, and how subsistence fishers may consume ‘forever chemicals’ through their catches.
I’m also committed to reporting solutions—from how creative plant breeding can help tomato pollen survive a heat wave, to how a kombucha byproduct can become a more sustainable “leather.”
As an English major turned biology PhD, I specialize in translating complex scientific findings into compelling stories that include diverse voices.
Pollen and Heat: A Looming Challenge for Global Agriculture
Yale Environment 360 / Food & Environment Reporting Network
(Republished in the BBC, PBS NewsHour, Grist, and elsewhere)
2022
Editing
I work with writers on all aspects of a piece—from content and structure to clarity and style. My ultimate goal is to make writing more concise and engaging while maintaining the author’s own unique voice.
As a freelance editor, my clients include publications, as well as individuals. I’m available to edit magazine features, academic manuscripts, books, video scripts, lesson plans, and more.
Video scripts
I approach video projects with the same level of journalistic rigor that goes into my feature stories. Whether for students or mass media audiences, my scripts are deeply reported and often playful.
For ongoing video series, my work matches the spirit and style of a client’s existing content.
My first TED-Ed video—an explainer on how food expiration dates are largely bogus—reached over 2.5 million views.
Science careers coverage
I’ve been fascinated by the lives of scientists since I was one myself. While earning a PhD in biology at the University of Virginia, I regularly contributed to Nature’s careers coverage as a winner of the journal’s Graduate Student Careers Columnist Writing Competition. Through profiles, features, professional tip sheets, and Q&As, I continue to cover the scientific and personal journeys of researchers from diverse backgrounds in academia, industry, government, and beyond. My clients include journals and scientific societies.
Workshops and public speaking
Looking for a speaker to engage your students, employees, or conference attendees? I’m available to speak on the following topics:
transitioning from science to science communication
science communication for academics
food in a changing climate
weekly meal planning
minimizing household food waste
I also offer virtual or in-person workshops on academic writing, science communication, and weekly meal planning.
Spring 2023 Academic Writing Workshop
Duration: Weekly one-hour sessions over six weeks
Client: Genetics Society of America
Attendees: GSA Early Career Leadership Program participants
Attendee feedback:
“It was a very interactive hands-on training.”
“The instructor and my peers participating in the workshop gave me great feedback.”
“The running list of style recommendations are excellent reminders.”
“The writing sample discussions were immensely helpful.”
“Carolyn was very welcoming and very supportive of people reaching out and participating.”