DeLene Beeland, M.Sc.

I'm a freelance writer with a keen interest for natural history and the life and earth sciences. My writing is a tool to create accessible entry points for general audiences to dive into the captivating world of science and research. However, my writings are not bounded by science alone.

I love learning about all aspects of past and present life forms, and I am a professional member of the National Assoc. of Science Writers.

In 2008, I completed a master's of science degree program at the Univ. of Florida. My thesis research probed experiential social factors and values of stakeholders in the Mexican gray wolf reintroduction program in America's southwest. (Abstract, Thesis: 2008). My graduate studies combined training in journalism, ecology and natural resources management.

While in graduate school, I was hired as a science writer for the Florida Museum of Natural History. At the museum, I wrote columns for a member edition of Natural History magazine, web stories and science news releases.

Today, I live in North Carolina's central Piedmont. Most days, you can find me either tapping away at my keyboard or pedaling my road bike down rural county roads. I enjoy being anywhere out-of-doors with dust, mud or water on my feet... and a story hatching in my mind.

"Wild Muse" blog

After resisting entering the blogosphere for several years, I finally gave in... You can find Wild Muse at: http://sciencetrio.wordpress.com

Works in progress

Researching and writing a book on a natural history topic, picked up by UNC Press.

Writing and reporting stories for The Charlotte Observer's new Science Pages.

Past employment

Emerging Pathogens Institute at the Univ. of Florida (April 2008 - Jan. 2010), staff science writer.

Fla. Museum of Natural History (Aug. 2006 - Oct. 2008), staff science writer.

Education

Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Ecology: Univ. of Florida, School of Natural Resources and Environment. (Dual training in ecology and journalism.)