About Lynne

I became a science writer after a long and circuitous route that included jobs as a secretary in a detective bureau of the Los Angeles Police Department, an oral surgery assistant, and a marine biologist. These experiences taught me attention to detail, how to ask probing questions, and the ability to keep from fainting at the sight of blood – all valuable skills for a science writer.

I have written on subjects ranging from astrophysics to zoology for newspapers, magazines, journals, and the web. Along the way I’ve interviewed and/or interacted with a number of Nobel laureates, astronaut Sally Ride, renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, ocean environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau, and best-selling author Michael Crichton.

In 1983, I began my career with the PR/marketing firm Regis McKenna, Inc. I later served as public information representative for the Developmental Biology Center at the University of California, Irvine and then as west coast media representative for the National Academy of Sciences. Since 1988, I’ve been a consultant and freelance writer, taking time in 1998 to serve as interim director of public relations for The Salk Institute.

As a freelance writer, I write news and feature article for newspapers, alumni publications, trade and consumer magazines, and the web. As a science communications consultant, my clients include science-based companies, non-profit research institutions, and scientific professional associations.

From 1998-2001, I served on a 16-member blue-ribbon committee of journalists, scientists, and public relations professionals examining science communications issues in the 21st century. Accomplishments of this committee include recommendations to the National Science Board and a Best Practices Conference.

I’ve held leadership positions in a number of professional organizations including the National Association of Science Writers (www.nasw.org), Athena San Diego (www.athenasd.org), Association for Women in Science (www.awis.org), and I’m an accredited member (APR) of the Public Relations Society of America (www.prsa.org).