Dana D'Amico
- Courses1
- Reviews3
- School: University of Minnesota
- Campus: Twin Cities
- Department: English Language Literature
- Email address: Join to see
- Phone: Join to see
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Location:
100 Church St. S.E.
Minneapolis, MN - 55455 - Dates at University of Minnesota: December 2015 - January 2016
- Office Hours: Join to see
Biography
University of Minnesota Twin Cities - English Language Literature
Communications Consultant | Science Writer
Dana
D'Amico
Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Many organizations seek the all-in-one communicator. I pride myself in being that person.
I’m a creative-analytic hybrid – a trained plant biologist, award-winning creative writer, digital designer and lifelong learner. I love bringing a piece of data to life across media types and audiences, and seeing a project from start to finish. I can read and understand a scientific paper, translate its meaning for a broad audience, package it into an eye-catching infographic design and code everything into a modern and accessible webpage.
I also believe in giving back to the community through pro bono work and service – I'm committed to using my skills and connections to lift others up, and improve equity and access for young people in science-related careers.
My greatest professional strengths:
• Championing creative, data-driven storytelling across media types
• Translating complex scientific and medical concepts for a wider audience
• Mastering new concepts, platforms and tools quickly
• Pinch-hitting on every touchpoint of a project – from copywriting to graphic design
• Anticipating and interpreting client needs and providing an excellent consultant-client experience
I'd love to hear from you! Let's discuss opportunities related to policy research / analysis or communications, especially related to areas of science, healthcare and education.
Strengthsfinder: Learner | Developer | Analytical | Restorative | Context
Experience
Education
Allegheny College
BS
Biology, Writing
Cum Laude, with Departmental Honors for thesis in plant physiologyShanbrom Fund Recipient
Awarded to conduct summer research in plant biology at Allegheny CollegeTrustee Scholarship
Distinguished Alden Scholar
Dean's List, GPA >3.8Chautauqua Writer's Festival Scholarship
Degree Cum Laude
University of Minnesota
MFA Creative Writing
Nonfiction
College of Liberal Arts Graduate Fellow (awarded to top 1% of all graduate students in CLA, ~20/1600). Studied under mentorship of Patricia Hampl (American memoirist, Guggenheim and Pushcart recipient, founding member of The Loft Literary Center) and Kim Todd (science and nature writer, author of "Chrysalis: Maria Sibylla Merian and the Secrets of Metamorphosis")CLA Graduate Fellowship
Awarded to exceptional incoming first-year graduate students in the College of Liberal Arts.University of Minnesota
Instructor, Creative Writing
•Designed and implemented two-hour lesson plans for classrooms of up to 26 students per semester, providing feedback and evaluation for 100+ students •Rated highly by both students and colleagues in review for extemporaneous presentation style, creative activity design, and strong rapport with mentees Courses taught: ENGW1101 --Introduction to Creative Writing ENG1104 -- Introduction to Nonfiction Student Feedback, Fall 2015: • "She did lots of things in class that pushed the limits of my understanding, helped me to think more creatively, sparked ideas --I loved this. ... Pushed my boundaries. Thank you!" • "Great readings that served as models; excellent discussion-based, almost socratic instruction." • "Allowed us to speak our minds with student discussions and workshops. This way of collaboration between students taught me new techniques for my writing and analyzing skills." • "She was very good at helping students understand deeper truths of different essays without being condescending or making students feel dumb or ignored." • "Understood that I have a disability, and how it impacts me, and worked with me by accommodating the class for me so that I was able to learn, share, and recall the information that I needed in this class."
Publications
Telling Science Through Story
American Society of Plant Biologists
An introduction to the idea of using narrative to bring the scientific community and the lay public into closer conversation
Telling Science Through Story
American Society of Plant Biologists
An introduction to the idea of using narrative to bring the scientific community and the lay public into closer conversation
Do Stars Welcome Us Into Their Realms
The Pinch
A lyric essay that incorporates original space-craft recorded atmospheric sounds, provided by the laboratory of Dr. Don Gurnett at the University of Iowa.
Telling Science Through Story
American Society of Plant Biologists
An introduction to the idea of using narrative to bring the scientific community and the lay public into closer conversation
Do Stars Welcome Us Into Their Realms
The Pinch
A lyric essay that incorporates original space-craft recorded atmospheric sounds, provided by the laboratory of Dr. Don Gurnett at the University of Iowa.
The Question of Public Trust in Plant Science Outreach
American Society of Plant Biologists
A two-part essay addressing how narrative can be used to gain public trust in science
Telling Science Through Story
American Society of Plant Biologists
An introduction to the idea of using narrative to bring the scientific community and the lay public into closer conversation
Do Stars Welcome Us Into Their Realms
The Pinch
A lyric essay that incorporates original space-craft recorded atmospheric sounds, provided by the laboratory of Dr. Don Gurnett at the University of Iowa.
The Question of Public Trust in Plant Science Outreach
American Society of Plant Biologists
A two-part essay addressing how narrative can be used to gain public trust in science
Writing Creatively About Your Research
American Society of Plant Biologists
Tips, exercises and resources for scientists looking to bring their research into the public forum via science journalism and memoir
