Ice Fishing at Sunset

  Leslie Mertz, Ph.D.

 


freelance writer  


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Resume



Contact
Leslie Mertz
(989) 350-9048
e-mail: lmertz@nasw.org
web: www.nasw.org/users/lmertz/

 

 

Leslie Mertz is an experienced environmental, science, technology, medical and general writer who has written articles for magazines, newsletters and other publications; provided web content and webpage design; provided full publication management of brochures, newsletters, magazines and annual reports; and attended and covered regional and national conferences for organizational websites and for magazines.

Resume

   In Brief
   Core Skills
   Writing/Communication Experience
   Education
   Teaching Experience
   Editorial Affiliation
   Volunteer Affiliations

 

In Brief

Freelance science writer (including environmental, medicine, and technology), editor and/or project manager for numerous nonprofit institutions and organizations, and for other magazines and publishing outlets. Work has included press releases, newsletters, donor appeals, web content, magazines, brochures, chapters, annual reports, etc.
Field-biology instructor, Wayne State University and Eastern Michigan University
• M.S. and Ph.D. in biological sciences, and B.A. in communication
• Experience as the science writer, editor, editorial project manager, and assistant director of marketing communications for a major Michigan university
• Experience as science writer, media relations specialist, and assistant director of public relations for a major Michigan university
Author of nine books; co-author of a 10th book; and author of chapters for an AP high school science textbook
Writer and editor of www.KnowYourInsects.org, a website that help students and others identify insects to order.
• Member, National Association of Science Writers.



 
Core Skills

• Unique combination of degrees in both communication and in biological sciences.
• Ability to translate scientific findings into engaging educational and marketing materials for many audiences, including granting agencies, politicians, research- or technology-oriented audiences, and the general public.
• Experience in marketing via web content, publications, press releases and other means.
• Experience in media relations through personal contacts, press releases, and other means.
• Solid writing and editing skills.
• Project management (magazines, newsletters, websites, etc.).
• Presentation development and delivery.
• Educator for all levels from children to college students, and adults, including in-service teachers.

 

Writing/Communication Experience


Current positions:

Writer, editor and/or project manager for nonprofit institutions and organizations, commercial enterprises, and for publications and publishing outlets. Work typically involves the analysis of scientific, medical, technical or other material; interviews with scientists, doctors, industry leaders or other experts; and creation of written or web material that matches the client’s desires. Finished materials have included individual magazine and other articles; press releases; website copy; entire newsletters, brochures, booklets, magazines, annual reports; and book chapters. Clips are available on request or by clicking
here.

Non-fiction author for major publishers including Harper Collins (for the Smithsonian), McDougal Littell (an imprint of Houghton Mifflin), Gale, Greenwood Press, and Oryx Press. See Writing Samples for a list of book titles.

Past positions:

Science writer/editor and assistant director, Office of Marketing Communications, Wayne State University, Detroit, Mich. Served as editor, project manager, and/or writer for hundreds of publications, including magazines, annual reports, newsletters, booklets, and brochures. Also wrote many successful press releases.

Communications specialist, Communications Department, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Mich. Edited and wrote the campus newsletter, and wrote press releases and feature articles. Media contacts resulted in considerable publicity.

Science writer/editor and assistant director, Public Relations Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, Mich. Edited and wrote the campus newspaper; wrote press releases, and feature articles; and originated, edited and wrote the university science magazine, a glossy, color, at least 48-page publication. Media contacts and related press conferences resulted in regional. state, national, and international press coverage of research.

Staff writer, associate editor, and editor, Advisor Newspapers, Utica, Mich., and Demers & Gregg Publishing (local newspaper group), St. Clair Shores, Mich. Editor and primary reporter, including environmental reporter, for community newspapers in southeastern Michigan.

 

Education

• Ph.D., Biological Sciences (Environmental Education cognate), 1997, Wayne State University, Detroit, Mich.
• M.S., Biological Sciences, 1992, Wayne State University, Detroit, Mich.
• B.A., Communication - Print Journalism, Wayne State University, Detroit, Mich.
Additional courses at Michigan State University, Macomb County Community College, Northern Michigan University, and through additional environmental agencies and groups.

 

Education Experience


Current position:

Field-biology instructor, Wayne State University and Eastern Michigan University. Both on-campus courses at Wayne State University and off-campus courses through the Fish Lake Biological Program. Course topics include ecology, aquatic and terrestrial plants and animals, animal behavior, etc., as well as various directed studies. Students include biology undergraduate and graduate students, education students, adult naturalists, and in-service teachers. 1998-present.

Past positions:

Program coordinator, Grand Traverse Stewardship Initiative, Traverse City, Mich. Developed and ran initial year of a new professional-development program for teachers in northwestern Michigan. Program was designed to inspire and assist them in incorporating environment-relate, place-based education (community-service learning) into their curricula.

Instructor and leader, Comprehensive Amphibian Survey, Wayne State University Fish Lake Biological Program, Lapeer, Mich. Program director: William S. Moore, Ph.D. 2000-2001.

Graduate teaching assistant, Wayne State University. Field-biology courses. 1995-1996.

 

Editorial Affiliation


Member, National Association of Science Writers.

 

Volunteer Affiliations


Volunteer instructor, Kids Discovery Program, Grand Traverse Conservation District, Traverse City, Mich.

Volunteer instructor, Inland Seas Educational Association, Suttons Bay, Mich.

Member, Biological Survey Committee, Headwaters Land Trust/Independence Land Conservancy, Oakland County, Mich. Involved botanical and zoological survey of Conservancy properties and land under consideration.

Member, Property Identification Committee, Headwaters Land Trust/Independence Land Conservancy, Oakland County, Mich. Involved identification of land parcels in Springfield Township for possible protection as natural areas.

Girl Scout leader, program director and volunteer.

 


Leslie Mertz (989) 350-9048 e-mail: lmertz@nasw.org

website: www.nasw.org/users/lmertz/