Writing Samples

Sample 1: Are the new mRNA vaccines safe?

I was concerned when I heard that some people might be hesitant to take the COVID-19 vaccine so I set out to get answers to some common questions surrounding the new mRNA vaccines. I interviewed a researcher at the University of Rochester Medical Center who had experience working with mRNA. Our goal with this explainer was to make mRNA vaccine information accessible. We collaborated with an illustrator to make the science feel more approachable. The three of us communicated via Zoom, email and text to create what we hoped would be a clear science-based story aimed at non-scientists. University of Rochester’s Center for RNA Biology blogged about my post. It was also picked up by the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation, for the COVID-19 Vaccines and the DM Community section of their website.

Sample 2: How to Get Married Over Zoom

After getting married over Zoom in July 2020, I wrote a how-to guide for other couples who might be contemplating getting married via video conference. I did my best to combine practical advice with technical advice. Wedfuly asked for permission to use my blog post on their website. They also promoted my piece on LinkedIn.

Sample 3: Field Report from New York City

After reading so many horror stories about NY in the beginning of the pandemic, I wanted a first hand account of what life was like. Meri and Lee, a couple who live in Brooklyn, shared their story with me.

Sample 4: San Francisco Aid for Animals fundraising letter

San Francisco Aid for Animals gives out grants to provide professional veterinary care for injured and sick animals. I volunteered to write for them and they asked me to interview one of their founders, Dr. Alan Stewart. They wanted me to write about the founding of SFAfA and also take a financial angle, the recession of 2008 versus 2020, in order to emphasize the need for financial help during COVID. They used my final draft for fundraising (note: I did not write the last two paragraphs of the fundraising letter). 

Sample 5: Groundbreaking Ceremony for San Francisco’s New Animal Shelter

I covered the groundbreaking of the new San Francisco animal shelter on my blog and Friends of San Francisco Animal Care & Control asked if they could use it in their newsletter. They added some of their own photos and used my original post which is here.

Sample 6: Interview with Collage Artist Andrea Bergen

I saw Andrea Bergen’s work in a group gallery show and loved it so much that I asked her for an interview.