Rachel Robertson
Science Communicator
About Me
I am a science communicator for Oregon State University’s College of Engineering. I translate technical research for a broad audience through writing, video and podcasts. My work passion is Engineering Out Loud, a podcast I cofounded, host and produce with my talented and hilarious coworkers.
I have always loved writing, although I did not initially pursue it as a career. In college I followed my interest in psychology and received a B.S. with honors at the University of Oregon. Following graduation, I worked for many years as a research coordinator in cognitive psychology research labs where my responsibilities often included writing and editing scientific articles and chapters.
While employed as a researcher at Emory University, I became a regular freelance writer for “Emory Report,” the faculty and staff newspaper, writing mostly science articles and profiles. For several years I continued working as a freelance writer for a variety of business magazines in Washington State. When I moved to Corvallis, Oregon, I began writing for Oregon State University where I honed my science writing skills.
Work Experience
2023 - present
Strategic Multimedia Marketing Manager
College of Engineering, Oregon State University
2013 - 2023
Strategic Communications Coordinator
School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Oregon State University
2001 - 2013
Freelance Writer
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Academic: Oregon Agricultural Progress, Terra Magazine), Emory Report
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Business: Skagit County Business Pulse, Northwest Business Monthly Extension Express
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General media: Atlanta Parent, OSU’s Extension Express, North Cascade and Skagit Valley Traveler’s Guide, Take Root Willamette Valley.
1989 – 2006
I managed research programs in cognitive psychology, especially language processing, at the University of Oregon, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Emory University in Atlanta.
Education
1988
University of Oregon
Bachelor of Science with Honors, Psychology
Undergraduate Thesis: Robertson, R. R. W. (1988). Moral development of children: Relating behavior and reasoning. Undergraduate honors thesis, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR.