Dr. Nicola Wittekindt

Science communications, press & public relations, focus on biomedicine and health. Content creation, writer & editor of science- and research-related websites, business reports, science magazines, press releases, newsletters. Communications tailored to specific audiences: the public, journalists/media, governmental and funding agencies, scientists, scientific networks etc.; explaining scientific developments and research outcomes in ways that are accessible, engaging, concise and scientifically accurate.

Proficient science and medical writer & editor; life sciences educator; strong background in biomedical/life sciences research (mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, tumour biology; infectious diseases; microbiology; genetics/genomics; biodiversity/conservation; hormone research). Science communicator: content creation, editorial management, publishing (print/online); conveying complex scientific information in accurate, concise, accessible, engaging and easily comprehensible ways to diverse audiences (experts-lay).

Corporate science communications; Science editor of research magazine and website.

Taught undergraduate students in biology (2 courses). Developed course curricula, instruction material, assignments and exams, and graded student performance.

Research in genomics, infectious diseases, carcinogenesis, microbiology, human evolution and conservation biology. Authored/co-authored 8 articles and 1 book chapter (see bit.ly/NWsciart). Taught undergraduate students in a biology course; co-instructed a course on microbiology.

Conducted scientific research in hormone biology and human genetics to understand the genetic and molecular basis of Human Growth Hormone Deficiency and Noonan Syndrome. Authored/co-authored 6 scientific articles (see bit.ly/NWsciart). Instructed and mentored lab assistants and PhD students.

Conducted research in microbial genomics (assembly and annotation of the genome of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori).

Scientific research in carcinogenesis and tumour biology at Helmholtz Zentrum Institut für Klinische Molekularbiologie und Tumorgenetik; publication of 1 scientific paper (see bit.ly/NWsciart). Time period encompassed 11 months parental leave April 1997-March 1998.

Scientific research in mutagenesis and carcinogenesis; developed a microbial test system to assess the toxicity of xenobiotic compounds for humans; compiled research results in a PhD thesis and authored 2 scientific papers (see bit.ly/NWsciart). Teaching assistant in the department of genetic toxicology.

Lab research using microbiological and biotechnological tools to assess the bacterial load and safety of sewage sludge fertilisers used in agriculture. Research outcomes were compiled in a report for the study sponsor, the Swiss Bundesamt für Umwelt.

Genetic toxicology, microbiology, mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, molecular genetics. Doctoral thesis titled "Implementation of a xenobiotics-mediated mutagenesis test system in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae".

Molecular genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, cell biology. Diplom thesis titled "Genetics and biochemistry of the glycerol transport system in Escherichia coli"; parts of research results published in 2 scientific articles (see bit.ly/NWsciart).