Kelly Tyrrell

Experience

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  University of Pennsylvania

  Apr 2006 - Jul 2008

  Research Specialist and Lab Manager

  Lab manager and researcher in laboratory of Dr. H. Lee Sweeney (25 member lab). Responsibilities included writing and reviewing animal care and use protocols, maintaining lab safety and compliance standards, designing and implementing experiments, consulting collaborating labs, and supervising undergraduate and work study students. My research projects focused on gene therapy for muscular dystrophy in mouse models. I performed extensive cloning, RT-PCR, sequencing, dissection, RNA and DNA extraction and Western Blot. Show less

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  University of Wisconsin-Madison

  Aug 2008 - Jun 2011

  Graduate Student

  In my graduate work, I studied the biochemical function of the bacterial tubulin protein FtsZ from Bacillus subtilis. I examined the in vitro biochemical interaction between native FtsZ and the bacterial actin homolog MreB. My research involved cloning, sequencing, PCR, and extensive chromatography and protein purification.

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  Chicago Tribune

  Jun 2011 - Aug 2011

  Science Writing Fellow

  As a Fellow of the AAAS Mass Media Science and Engineering Program, I was a science writer at the Chicago Tribune. I covered topics that ranged from environmental science and conservation to health and nutrition. In a 10-week period, I contributed 22 bylined stories, including one A1 and a full-page feature.

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  AAAS

  Jun 2011 - Aug 2011

  AAAS Mass Media Science and Engineering Fellow

  Increasing public understanding of science and technology is a principal goal of AAAS, so it only makes sense that it recognizes the need for scientists who are well versed in communicating complex ideas to a general audience. Enter the AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellows program, which has thrived in this endeavor for more than 30 years. The 10-week summer program places graduate and post-graduate level science, engineering and mathematics students at media organizations nationwide. Fellows have worked as reporters, editors, researchers and production assistants at such media outlets as the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, National Public Radio, Sacramento Bee, and Scientific American. Participants come in knowing the importance of translating their work for the public, but they leave with the tools and the know-how to accomplish this important goal. Show less

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  Freelance Science Writer

  Aug 2011 - Dec 2011

  Science Writer

  I contributed weekly science and research stories for the Chicago Tribune.

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  The News Journal

  Dec 2011 - Aug 2013

  Health and Science Reporter

  I wrote about health in Delaware, helping relate national stories for the state and writing about the issues that matter to Delawareans. I published everything from big projects on national health care to the issues faced by caregivers to the challenges of drug discovery for orphan diseases. As a scientist, I also wrote about STEM education in the state. I covered breaking news, dailies and features, delving into territory that includes public health, politics, social services and more. I also have experience as a general assignment reporter. Show less

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  Science and health writer

  Aug 2013 - now

  Freelance Writer

  For several years I wrote a regular public policy column for and contributed features to The Hospitalist Magazine. I also regularly contributed stories on health policy and other issues for The Rheumatologist Magazine and ACR@Work.I have written about health and science for the Philadelphia Inquirer http://www.philly.com/philly/health/; science, science education and more for the University of Delaware http://www.udel.edu/udaily/; and worked for local Delaware radio news station WDEL/1150 AM http://www.wdel.com/. I have also written for ACEP Now, a publication for emergency health professionals. Show less

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  University of Delaware

  Jan 2014 - Mar 2014

  Communications Manager for BADER Consortium and INBRE

  I was a contract supplemental professional for the Department of Defense-funded BADER Consortium and the NIH-funded IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, both based at the University of Delaware. I helped build and create communications for these excellent programs, to help garner more local and national interest as well as to increase engagement with researchers, students, funders and the public. The role also served internal needs, like compiling annual reports and evaluating and improving the BADER website. Show less

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  University of Wisconsin-Madison

  Mar 2014 - now

  As a science writer in University Communications, I serve as a vital link between scientific research and the greater community. Most of the stories I write are based on current research coming out of one of the most well-respected research institutions in the world and are intended to help journalists and others communicate it to a wider audience. I also want to help Wisconsinites better understand how the university serves them.While writing is my primary medium, I am also highly engaged in multi-media storytelling and social media. I serve as a primary resource for researchers on campus interested in improving their communications skills and I enjoy opportunities to work with students, other science writers and community partners. Show less

  • Assistant Vice Chancellor for Content Strategy

    Jul 2024 - now

  • Director of Media Relations and Strategic Communications

    Jul 2022 - Aug 2024

  • Director of Research Communications

    Apr 2020 - Aug 2024

  • interim Director of Media Relations and Strategic Communications

    Mar 2022 - Jul 2022

  • Senior science Writer

    Mar 2014 - Apr 2020
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  The Open Notebook

  May 2019 - now

  The Open Notebook is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides tools and resources to help science, environmental, and health journalists at all experience levels sharpen their skills. TON is guided by two principles: that high-quality science journalism is essential to society, and that everyone, including science journalists, learns best by practicing the craft as part of a supportive, diverse community of people who are all striving to master their skills.As engagement editor, I am involved in leading social media and other public efforts to share TON stories, interact with audiences, draw interest in TON's varied work, and contribute in other areas as needed. It's a privilege to be part of such an important community and to play a role in highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in science writing, to contribute to the development of science writers at all levels of their careers, to help share an increasing array of story translations and to share the important elements of craft that render science writing effective and relevant. Show less

  • Engagement Editor

    May 2019 - now

  • Engagement Editor

    May 2019 - now
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  National Association of Science Writers

  Sept 2022 - now

  Board of Directors