Freelance writer based in Massachusetts

Kristen is a freelance writer with a passion for science.

Kristen is a scientist-turned-freelance writer based in southeastern Massachusetts. Years of explaining her research to friends and family inspired the jump into full-time writing, propelled by her passion for disseminating complicated topics into accessible narratives.

A recent alum of the University of Washington’s Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Kristen spent much of the last few years researching rehabilitative therapies in a rat model of spinal cord injury. Post-graduation, she’s excited to continue delivering science content that engages and inspires wide audiences.

When not delving into the wide world of science, Kristen enjoys reading bad romance novels, experimenting in the kitchen, plugging away at her first book, or rooting for whichever Boston sports team is playing that day.

Science Content and Copy

Death Cap Mushroom Poisoning (WebMD)

Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis) in Cats (WebMD)

Hydrogen Water vs. Alkaline Water: Key Differences (Piurify)

What is Wallenberg Syndrome? (WebMD)

What to Know About Otocinclus (WebMD)

Preventable Blindness within the Diabetic Patient Population (Intelligent Retinal Imaging Systems)

What to Know About a Thigh Contusion (WebMD)

What to Know About an AC Joint Sprain (WebMD)

Mobile Phlebotomy: Optimize Workflows for Timely and Accurate Diagnoses (Capsa Healthcare)

What to Know About the Peruvian Paso Horse (WebMD)

What Is Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy? (WebMD)

Best of the Web and Best Apps Columns (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News)

Structure and flexibility in cortical representations of odour space (Nature)

Academic Publications

Examination of targeted, activity-dependent spinal stimulation in a rat model of spinal cord injury (Master’s Thesis, University of Washington)

Recipe for a Cape Cod Clambake (Vocal)

Other Works

Blank Page (Vocal)

Tuna Casserole  (Reedsy)

Additional Experience

  • Graduate Student Research Assistant | University of Washington (09/2018 - 12/2023)

    • Examined the effects of electrical stimulation on recovery outcomes in a rat model of spinal cord injury. Combined electrophysiological and viral delivery techniques to probe neuronal changes due to injury and during recovery.

    Research Technician | Harvard Medical School (04/2015 - 07/2018)

    • Characterized the anatomy of an atypical olfactory subsystem in mice, using viral tracing strategies to confirm unique downstream targets of this system. Based on anatomical data, designed and implemented behavioral assays and targeted manipulations querying the functional implications of this olfactory subsystem’s connectivity

    • Course Developer and Instructor | University of Washington (01/2023 - 03/2023)

      • Created and taught an upper-level undergraduate course focused on nervous system plasticity after neurological injury.  Developed class curriculum, created and implemented all class materials, and engaged students in weekly lectures and journal club discussions.

    • Teaching Assistant | University of Washington (09/2019 - 12/2019)

      • Oversaw the lab section of an undergraduate neuroscience course. Aided undergraduates in understanding sensory and motor systems, experimental best practices, and composition of scientific publications.

    • National Institutes of Health Ruth L. Kirschstein Institutional National Research Service Award | Funded (09/2019 - 08/2020)

    • National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program | Honorable Mention (2020)

    • Co-founder and mentor, University of Washington Graduate Program in Neuroscience (UW GPN) Peer Mentorship Program (2020 - 2022)

    • Co-founder and Logistics Coordinator, UW GPN Student Representation Committee (2020 - 2021)

    • Reviewer, UW Grey Matters Journal (2018 - 2023)

    • Volunteer, UW Neuroscience Community Outreach Group (2018 - 2020)

    • Department organizer, UAW Local 4121

Let’s work together.