Nicole Mlynaryk

Originally from the New York metropolitan area, I studied Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Cognitive Science at Rutgers University, graduating summa cum laude. I continued my research career at the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C. before moving to San Diego to pursue my Ph.D. in neuroscience.

It didn't take long to realize that as much as I loved doing the science, I really loved learning, synthesizing, and sharing it even it more. Throughout my research career, I volunteered with various science writing and outreach programs at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Fleet Science Center, UC San Diego Neuroscience Research Program, Taste of Science, ComSciCon, and NeuWrite-San Diego.

After nearly a decade of research experience studying the brain at molecular, cellular, circuit and cognitive scales, I officially traded the pipette for the press release and now work full-time as an institutional and freelance science writer. I also received training through the UC San Diego Extension Science Communication Certificate Program and the Bigelow Science Communications Fellowship. 

I love engaging with scientists in the health and life sciences and helping them share their discoveries with all sorts of audiences. My freelance clients include UCSF, the Simons Foundation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, and more.

I am also passionate about supporting other science communicators' careers, and recently served as President of the San Diego Science Writers Association (SANDSWA). Much of my work also revolves around promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in health, science, and their communications. 

Outside of science communications, I enjoy hiking, music, documentaries, and new recipes.

I am currently open to science communications and freelance writing roles in the health and life sciences, with particular expertise in neuroscience, cancer and immunology.

I have worked as a public information officer at University of California San Diego and Salk Institute. These roles involved significant science writing, editing, and media relations work, as well as frequent collaboration with leaders across various universities, institutes, companies, and foundations. 

I have also managed other science writing staff, developed strategic communications plans, and served as the editor for several institutional science magazines.

My professional experience includes writing, editing, and consulting on news and feature articles, research and institutional press releases, newsletters, blog posts, podcast scripts, social media content, research manuscripts, grant proposals, and more.