A broad range of Experience that works for you
Valerie's previous jobs and clients demonstrate the breadth of experience she can put to work for you.
Valerie C. Coffey, Stellar Editorial Services
La Quinta, CA
EDUCATION
MS Astronomy, Boston University, Boston, MA
BS Physics, Math minor, University of Nevada, Reno
EXPERIENCE
Freelance Science & Technology Writer/Editor
Stellar Editorial Services; 12/2006–present
§ Contract writing of feature articles, science news, and industry news for B2B
and journal clients, including American Institute of Physics, EuroPhotonics,
BioPhotonics, LEDs, Laser Focus World, Photonics Spectra, PreMedia Global,
and Optics & Photonics News
§ International planetarium script development for GOTO
§ Writing and editing of market research reports for Optical Society of America
and PHOTON Consulting
§ News writing, blogging, and social media networking on software, IT, and
telecom for JAZD Markets
§ Editing and revision of astronomy and physics textbook content for Pearson
Addison Wesley Higher Education, including Astronomy Today, 6th Ed.,
Chaisson and McMillan; Conceptual Physics, 11th Ed., Hewitt; Physics,
Concepts & Connections, 5th Ed., Hobson; and College Physics, 8th Ed.,
Young
§ Editing of physics terms for American Heritage Dictionary 5th ed., (Houghton Mifflin, 2007), and authoring of Encyclopedia Brittanica entry on quantum computing (2016)
§ Books edited: The Double Star Catalog by (Haas; MBI Publishing), A Year in the Life of the Universe (Gendler) and Patterns in the Sky (Hewitt-White; both New Track Media Books), 2006
§ Communications projects for corporate and academic clients, including Indium Corp, Newport Corp., Lumencore, Master Bond, O-Liner, SAM Training LLC, Ocean Optics, Gooch & Housego PLC, University of Montreal, King Abdul-Aziz University, and Athenian Venture Partners.
Editorial Positions, PennWell Corp., Nashua, NH (two titles held)
1. Contributing Editor, Laser Focus World; 12/2008–10/2010
§ Researched and authored a technology product-focused article series
2. Senior Technical Editor, Laser Focus World; 6/2007–11/2008
§ Researched, solicited, edited, and wrote monthly technology news, features,
and columns on optoelectronics, optics, lasers, and fiber-optics in the
astronomy, medical biotech, industrial, military, and telecom industries for
print and online
§ Moderated webcasts and panels, produced bi-monthly e-newsletter, and
maintained website
§ Participated in and reviewed industry conferences and trade-shows
Managing Editor, Sky & Telescope and Night Sky magazines
New Track Media LLC, Cambridge, MA; 4–12/2006
§ Managed the dynamic interface of editorial, design, and production for two popular consumer magazines, websites, books, and annuals on astronomy
§ Generated and edited astronomical content for print and web, developed editorial deadlines for staff of 14 editors, reallocated resources, managed article acquisitions, and supervised editorial assistants
§ Streamlined efficiency of editorial, image acquisition, and rights & permissions
processes
Editorial Positions, PennWell Corp., Nashua, NH (three titles held)
1. Editor in Chief, Connector Specifier magazine; 3/2003–3/2006
§ Determined editorial direction, budget, and content of monthly B2B trade
publications, e-newsletters, and websites covering electrical and fiber-optic
connectors in military, medical, computer, telecom, and industrial applications
§ Edited and wrote editorial content. Supervised editorial staff
§ Developed partnerships with industry associations; moderated conference
panels
2. Lead Editor, Optoelectronics Report, 8/2000–4/2001
§ Wrote and edited features and news for a photonics-industry business
newsletter
3. Associate Technical Editor, Laser Focus World and WDM Solutions magazines; 7/2000–3/2003 (overlapping with 2)
§ Researched, solicited, edited, and wrote monthly technology news, features, and columns on optoelectronics, optics, lasers and fiber-optics in the astronomy, medical, biotech, industrial, military, and telecom industries for print and web
Math Tutor, Sylvan Learning Center, Acton, MA; 5/2000–07/2000
§ Homework assistance and tutoring for grades 6-12 in math and SAT prep
Substitute Teacher, MA public schools, Opis Inc., and Acton-Boxborough Regional Schools; 4–6/2000, 1–6/2007, 1–6/2009, 9–12/2012
§ On-call substitute teaching of all subjects in grades K-12
Assistant Adjunct Professor of Astronomy
Bentley College, Waltham, MA; spring 2000
§ Taught four-credit undergraduate astronomy class and lab
Sales/Marketing Manager
Optometrics USA, Inc., Ayer, MA; 9/1999– 4/2000
§ Inside sales and marketing for an optics manufacturer
Sales/Marketing Manager, Proposal Editor, Internet Marketing Specialist
Scientific Solutions, Inc., Spectroscopic Devices and Consulting, N. Chelmsford, MA; 4/1998–9/1999
§ Developed the first website for this Boston University start up.
§ Technical sales and marketing, editing and writing of successful grant proposals
Teaching Fellow
Boston University Department of Astronomy, Boston, MA; 9/1993–5/1996
§ Thesis entitled, “Statistical analysis of neutral hydrogen self-absorption features in the first quadrant of the Milky Way.” Analyzed 2-arcsec-resolution self-absorption spectra of 21-cm (radio-frequency) emission of neutral hydrogen in interstellar medium, obtained by the Boston University Arecibo Observatory Survey (1991).
§ Taught undergraduate astronomy labs, discussion sections, and observatory programs in planetary astronomy, stellar astronomy, bioastronomy, cosmology, and astrophotography
Astronomy/Education consultant
Franklin, MA, 1–9/1993
§ Conducted supplemental science curricula programs at museums and public and private schools in MA including after-school programs, traveling adventure programs, and science day camp.
Education Associate
New England Science Center (now Ecotarium) Worcester, MA; 12/1990–1/1993
§ Conducted informal public education programs conducted in the observatory, planetarium, stage, zoo, and traveling educational programs in astronomy for all ages. Media contact for astronomical events.
Program Presenter, Technician, Telescope Operator
Fleischmann Planetarium, Reno, NV; 4/1985–3/1990 and
Flandrau Planetarium, Tucson, AZ; spring 1986.
§ Presented public observing programs and planetarium shows, star talks and laser shows.
SKILLS
§ Broad experience with social networking and SEO techniques
§ Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Picture Manager) for PC
§ Adobe InCopy, InDesign, Quark, and Acrobat
§ Familiarity with HTML, Clickability, and other web content-publishing (CMS) systems
§ Brightcove online video publishing system
AWARDS/HONORS
PennWell Editorial Excellence Award, Best Digital Media Initiative, Connector Specifier, 2004
PennWell Editorial Excellence Award, Best Contributed Feature Article, Laser Focus World, 2002
Laser Focus World Editorial Excellence Award for news, 2000
Boston University Teaching Fellow Award for Excellence, 1996
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES
National Association of Science Writers
American Society of Business Publication Editors