Brandie Michelle Jefferson
science writer
Brandie Michelle Jefferson
Who am I?
I am a science writer and journalist with 15 years of experience writing for academia, newspapers, and a wire service. As a media relations professional, I translate complex engineering and science issues for everyone from from general audiences to niche trade publications to inform, but also to help spread my enthusiasm for cutting edge research and the sometimes-literally out-of-this-world discoveries.
Experience
Senior director, research communications | University of Pittsburgh
2023 - present, Pittsburgh, Pa.
I am the strategic communications lead for the University of Pittsburgh, an R1 university with nearly 30,000 students. Working with faculty, administrators, and communicators across campus, I promote research in service of elevating the university's reputation.
Senior news director, engineering | Washington University in St. Louis
2017 - 2022, St. Louis, Mo.
I am the university's media relations lead for the McKelvey School of Engineering, which has five academic departments: biomedical; computer science; electrical & systems; energy, environmental & chemical; and mechanical & materials science. I write press releases, narrative pieces, and occasional items for both the engineering and the university's alumni magazines. I work with reporters across various media platforms to promote upcoming and published research.
Working with the university's creative team, I help develop assets such as gifs and videos and decide how best to use them -- as supplements, stand-alone resources, or for use across any of our social platforms. I also coordinate media visits and work with faculty to help ensure their preparedness for interviews.
Freelance reporter | Science, health, general news
2009 - present, St. Louis, Mo.
I'm a freelance reporter comfortable interviewing scientists, CEOs, musicians, and everyone in between. I’ve published articles on subjects as varied as fishing trawlers, the microbiome, music therapy, and synesthesia, weaving together narrative and exposition in the name of telling a good story.
Manager, communications & new media | State of Maryland
2013 - 2017, Towson, Md.
I managed social media, internal, and external communications for the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the largest department in Maryland state government. I initiated a website redesign to gain more control of content, using WordPress and basic HTML. I designed printed media using Adobe Suite programs.
Senior field editor | Patch.com
2010 - 2013, Ellicott City, Md.
I began as a reporter and was twice promoted. I was a lead on breaking news for three counties while at the same time maintaining a daily local news website and managing its social media accounts. I shot photos, shot and edited videos, and was a lead editor for a dozen sites across the state.
Reporter | The Providence Journal
2005 - 2006 & 2007 - 2008, Providence, R.I.
Metcalf Institute for Marine & Environmental Reporting, Fellow. General Assignment reporter.
Reporter | The Associated Press
2006 - 2007, Boston, Mass.
General Assignment reporter.
education
Johns Hopkins University | Master's Degree
2017, Baltimore, Md.
Science Writing
Boston University | Master's Degree
memberships|Awards|etc.
Second place, New England Associated Press News Executives Association Award for Deadline News
Member, National Association of Science Writers
Metcalf Institute for Marine & Environmental Reporting, Fellow
Certificate of Appreciation for Media Excellence, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services
Chips Quinn Scholar
2005, Boston, Ma.
Print Journalism
University of Illinois | Bachelor's Degree
2002, Champaign, Il.
Philosophy with a concentration in the history and philosophy of science