This is the personal website of Gwen Pearson, science writer and insect evangelist.

Gwen Pearson is Purdue University’s Department of Entomology Education and Outreach Coordinator. She occasionally writes as a freelance science writer for WIRED Science, the Washington Post, and other news outlets.

She calls herself an insect evangelist because her mission is to help everyone discover they love bugs. She would love to come and chat with your organization about science communication, or to help you optimize your website for SEO.

From 2012-2014, Gwen worked as a freelance web consultant specializing in science communication strategy and website building for nonprofits and nature centers. This website documents some of the projects she worked on, as well as several presentations on how to use social media for science outreach.

Gwen spent most of her early career as a faculty member at teaching-intensive colleges and universities. In 2002 Gwen jumped the tenure track to move into administration, working as an Instructional Designer, in a Dean’s Office, an Assistant Vice Provost’s office, and as Assistant Director for a large research station.  For many years she also served as Network Coordinator for the Organization of Biological Field Stations.

Some past interviews with Gwen here about science writing and communication:

• How to talk to a reporter about your research. From ESA National Meeting, 2017.
• 5 Ways to Improve Your Science Writing. From the ESA National Meeting, 2014.
• Planet of the Apps: Social Media, Outreach, and Your Research.  Nature.com, December 2012. PDF Handout with more resources.
• Social Media for Science Outreach Case Study: Career Changing and Pseudonyms. Nature.com, April 2013.

Gwen’s CV (PDF)