Science Communication Services
The power of education and communication together can bring science to all.
With my background in learning sciences, practical experience as a science communicator, and experience in teaching others how to communicate their science, I can help you achieve your science communication goals through my workshops, writing/editing, and one-on-one coaching services.
Work With Me
My science communication services include workshops/speaking on a wide variety of topics, writing and/or editorial services, and personalized one-on-one coaching on writing, speaking, or other science communication modalities.
I am also available to serve as either a co-PI or consultant on grant proposals, including federally funded grants through NSF or NIH, to coordinate or advise on science communication efforts as part of your research proposal.
As Dr. Melanie Peffer said best, “Science is powerful — but only if people understand it.” At our organization, we share that belief and recognize that the ability to communicate complex science in clear, memorable, and engaging ways is essential.
We partnered with Dr. Peffer to design and deliver a customized 2.5 hour Science Communication workshop for early-career cancer researchers, focused on storytelling and evidence-based strategies for communicating science and delivering effective flash talks. It was an ambitious undertaking, but she created a workshop that perfectly aligned with our goals and addressed the specific needs of our attendees.
The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, and the flash talks they delivered to a lay audience on the second day of the conference were a tremendous success. Much of that success can be credited to Dr. Peffer’s thoughtful preparation and expert guidance.
Throughout the entire process, Dr. Peffer was professional, responsive, collaborative, and highly receptive to our input during workshop development. We truly enjoyed working with her and would highly recommend her to any organization seeking a skilled and engaging science communication trainer.
Veneshia Ridout, Director of Grants Administration, V Foundation
Workshops & Speaking
Below is a non-exhaustive list of workshop or public speaking topics that I’ve covered in the past. I am also available for customized workshops/talks to meet your needs, or workshops with follow-up services (e.g., workshop on writing that includes review and feedback on a writing sample from each attendee). Please see my practices page to learn more about my public speaking activities.
Science Communication
Learning engineering for science communication
Learning theories and science communication
Diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in science communication
Building audience connection
Non-verbal communication
Motivated reasoning and mis/disinformation
Science communication for STEM professionals or professional science communicators
Trauma-informed science communication
Ethical science communication
Oral/written/artistic communication
Writing
Writing about science topics for general or scientific audiences
Writing engaging nonfiction
Working with an editorial team
Storytelling with data
Grantspersonship
Writing instructional materials
Integrating written works alongside other forms of science communication
Education/Teaching
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Teaching for equity using the study cycle
Teaching with the Biology Everywhere philosophy
Undergraduate/adult biology education
K12 biology education
Facilitating difficult conversations in the classroom
Biology teaching for a better world
Creative approaches to engaging biology students
Evidence-based course design
Science communication competency for undergraduates
Her workshops for the Association of Science Communicators are excellent - she brings her experience, rigorous science education background, and compassion to each session.
Allison Coffin, Co-founder and President of the Association of Science Communicators
Dr. Peffer gave her presentation, "How to Create an Effective Digital Footprint to Market Your Book," to the Northern Colorado Writers. She was knowledgeable yet relatable, able to take complex concepts and make them accessible to the novice. I give her my highest recommendation.
Ronda Simmons, Educational Program Coordinator for Northern Colorado Writers
Writing & Editing
My writing services include write-for-hire work, including translating cutting edge research findings into accessible public-facing blogs, creation of online course materials, and technical writing.
I am also available to serve as a co-Investigator or consultant on federal grants (and have served as primary investigator on funded NSF proposals), where I can assist with ghostwriting or managing science communication activities as part of dissemination/broader impacts goals.
Please see examples of my previous write-for-hire work, my books page, and my Google scholar profile.
In addition to writing, I am also available for editorial work. The scope of my editorial work includes writing for a general audience, incorporating data storytelling techniques into technical articles/grants, plain language, and writing engaging non-fiction.
If you are seeking a copy editor, I am happy to make recommendations to others within my network.
Dr. Peffer provided general audience communication workshops for over 125 interns. The workshops were incredibly helpful, well-run, and well-received. Dr. Peffer also read, edited, and gave feedback on a general audience essay that the interns were required to write. This took an incredible amount of flexibility, planning, and knowledge. The response time for feedback was short and the advice was appropriate for the deliverable. I enjoyed working with Melanie and would recommend her to others.
Marcus Giron, Intern and Faculty Program Manager, National Laboratory of the Rockies
Writing Samples
Coaching
As a coach, I offer one-on-one or small group help with your science communication goals (broadly defined) to technical and non-technical audiences. For example, I can help you prepare for a specific event (dissertation defense, job talk, keynote, seminar, webinar), article, art installment, public exhibit, and more!
Coaching can also be incorporated as part of other services. For example, my past clients have requested that I give a workshop on writing/speaking to the general public, followed by each workshop attendee receiving personalized feedback on a writing sample/flashtalk. Multiple rounds of editing and feedback (including meetings) are also available.
Coaching services can also include any of the topics mentioned under workshops–for example, one-on-one or small group coaching on trauma-informed pedagogy or using the study cycle for equity in university classrooms.
Work With Me
Please complete the form below to inquire about working with me. I will send a follow-up email where we will discuss your project needs and how I can help you.