My name is Jackie Rocheleau and I’m an independent science writer and editor. I kicked off my freelance career right after college and I’ve been going strong ever since. I’m most interested in neuroscience and how life experiences shape our brains, but I’ll write about almost anything interesting. Notable examples include apes and COVID-19, germs that influence the brain, or unlikely scientific pairings. I have written for Vox, Medscape, Forbes, Scientific American, Knowable, Science News, Nautilus and others.
As a freelance editor, I shaped science education materials created for the National Geographic Resource Library, which won a People’s Voice Webby award for best editorial/writing and for best science website in 2020. Other editing projects include the International Space Station report, “20 Years of Student Experiments Using the ISS.” I have additional learning design experience as well, creating courses for adult learning programs.
I received my M.S. in science journalism and B.A. in neuroscience and psychology at Boston University. You can reach me through the contact form if you would like to work together or learn more about my services.
Why Work With Me?
In short, I’m a dependable self-starter with extensive, varied editorial experience and strong science writing and interpersonal skills.
As a science writer, I break down complicated (and at times esoteric) ideas into digestible and engaging stories. In addition to my neuroscience background and explanatory writing skills, I differentiate myself through my soft skills. My experiences as a case manager at Big Brothers Big Sisters and as a basketball coach give me unique perspectives and a strong sense of empathy that I bring to my editorial work. For example, this background helps me conduct quality interviews with sources and find the human element in the science.
In my learning design work, my sense of humor and creativity also set me apart. In one instance, I wrote and storyboarded videos to create a unique company training program for Kyndryl. The program educated and entertained a global audience, using humor to make company policies memorable. I also bring a background in neuroscience and psychology to learning design which helps me create effective materials.
Personal Background
Outside of the science communication and writing world, I coach high school girls’ basketball and am passionate about empowering young women in the sport. When I’m not working, I’m usually looking for somewhere to play basketball, turning my apartment into a makeshift gym, or being followed around by my cats. Both of them. At the same time. Always there.