Qualifications

Plain Language Certificate Program

February 2020 

Simon Fraser University Online

​

Editing Certificate Program

June 2018

Simon Fraser University Online

​

Master of Science, Microbiology and Biotechnology

June 2006

University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB

​​

Bachelor of Science, with distinction:

Honors Biotechnology (First Class Honors)

May 2003

University of Manitoba  Winnipeg, MB

​

I have a BSc in Biotechnology, which is a fancy degree name for essentially a double major in microbiology and chemistry. I took a full spectrum of classes from physical, organic and biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics, microbiology and eukaryotic biology. This broad scientific base allows me to understand and write about a wide range of technical topics. 

​

I have a MSc in Microbiology and Biotechnology from the University of Alberta and nearly 15 years industry experience in environmental microbiology applied to oil sands mine reclamation. I am an expert in microbial hydrocarbon degradation, methane production, tailings reclamation, and oil sands pit lakes. During my oil sands career, I wrote documents aimed at a variety of audiences from engineers to field technicians, and I learned how to tailor each document to meet the specific audience's needs.

​

More recently I have transitioned to freelance editing and writing. I completed two certificates in Editing and Plain Language from Simon Fraser University. I focus on editing technical and scientific manuscripts for university research groups, including ESL graduate students.

​