Science Writing
As a freelance writer, Mertz has written for nonprofit institutions and organizations, for various magazines and other publications, and for publishing outlets. Using her knowledge of science and her years of experience as a writer and editor for a major research university and in newspapers, she is able to create engaging articles from technical material, from interviews with scientists and medical professionals, and from her attendance at conferences and meetings. She has written articles in nearly every scientific field, and for every audience from the lay public to scientific and other targeted groups. She produces articles for printed publications, web content and press releases, as well as entire newsletters, brochures, booklets, magazines, annual reports and book chapters. Samples of her work are available here. She will also provide additional samples on request.  

Environmental Writing

Mertz's academic background is in both communication and in biological sciences, which gives her particular insight into environmental and ecological topics. In addition, she is a field-biology instructor for two Michigan universities, and teaches summer courses to undergraduate and graduate students, and in-service science teachers. She has written extensively on invertebrate and vertebrate animals for a major publisher, has authored five books and co-authored a sixth on animals, has written chapters for a major high-school biology textbook, and has written scores of other articles covering such topics as animal behavior, conservation, ecosystem management, evolution, ecology, and many others. Samples of her environmental work are available here.

Medical Writing

Mertz's background in biology and her experience at a research university have made her well-suited to medical writing. She is particularly adept at translating highly technical research findings into interesting and accurate copy that is understandable by non-medical scientists as well as the lay public, including patients and care-givers. Mertz has also covered medical research conferences and from the sessions, drafted articles that not only describe the work but also its implications for the future of medical care. Samples of her medical writing are available here.

Project management

In addition to writing articles and web content, Mertz has worked on many publications from concept to completion. This includes a science magazine and several other magazines, newsletters, booklets and brochures for a major research university. In many instances, she has helped clients to envision and initiate new marketing efforts, and has then taken responsibility for ensuring their completion and their quality.