Amanda M Baker
Stories and Science
About
I am a freelance writer who tells science stories for everyone from kindergarteners to college professors. I am also the Operations Manager for Guilford Press.
I have a geoscience Ph.D. from Cornell and experience from across the publishing spectrum – from managing peer-reviewed journals to writing and editing for popular science magazines for kids.
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Powerful science can change the world. Powerful stories can make people want to be a part of that change.
Writing and Editing
I have written and edited for audiences ranging from elementary school students to active researchers. I have also coached others in their writing, both in formal classroom settings and one-on-one sessions.
Selected Work
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Scientific American’s Budding Scientist
Over 90 contributions about trends in STEM education and science outreach to the Scientific American Blog Network.
Writer and editor for magazine meant for girls who unapologetically love science. Conducted feature interviews with astronaut Mae Jemison, inventor Jane Chen, hacker and CEO Limor Fried, pilot Shaesta Waiz, 76ers data scientist Ivana Seric, and other scientists and engineers. Also wrote feature interviews of nationally recognized young innovators like Ann Makosinski (creator of the Hollow Flashlight), Gitanjali Rao (winner of Discovery 3M Young Scientist Challenge), Zandra Cunningham (teen CEO), and more.
Cricket Media
"Looking Down by Going Up: Peering Through Ice" MUSE January 2019
"Science@Work: Jane Chen" MUSE February 2019
"Fail Better" ASK February 2019
Penn Foster
Created original content for science and English Language Arts courses at targeted Lexile reading levels. Aligned Earth science course to Next Generation Science Standards.
Writing Instruction
Instructor for first-year writing seminar through Cornell’s Knight Writing Institute – recognized for teaching of writing within a discipline with Gertrude Spencer Prize mention. Served as private writing coach for individuals wishing to improve their craft.