Journalist and science writer
Chico, California Area
- Current
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- Freelance Writer/Journalist at Freelance (Self-employed)
- Past
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- Science Communication Intern at Point Reyes National Seashore
- Writing Intern at Science and Learning Center
- Reporting Intern at Santa Cruz Sentinel
- Reporting Intern at Salinas Californian
- Science-Writing Intern at Stanford University News Service
- Research Assistant at The Ohio State University College of Medicine
- Community Agro-forestry Extension Agent/Regional Volunteer Leader at Peace Corps
- Science Intern at The Ocean Alliance
- Environmental Education Intern at The Ocean Alliance
- Education
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- The Ohio State University
- The Ohio State University
- University of California
- Connections
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27
connections
- Industry
- Writing and Editing
- Websites
John Cannon’s Summary
Drawing on experiences and education that cut a wide swath across many sectors, cultures, and disciplines, John is a writer with the tools necessary to delve into any subject, track down the important stories, and communicate them with clients, customers, and the general public. Trained to explain the complex in simple yet accurate terms, John can tackle any writing task. He has held positions as a biology researcher, a Peace Corps volunteer, a newspaper reporter, and now a freelance writer and science journalist.
John Cannon’s Specialties:
Journalism, marketing, copy writing, public relations, science writing, technical writing, academic writing, blogging, medical writing
John Cannon’s Experience
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Freelance Writer/Journalist
Freelance (Self-employed)
(Self-Employed; Writing and Editing industry)
February 2009 — Present (11 months)
Report and write articles for a variety of news outlets such as Scientists Without Borders, Bicycle Times and ScienceNOW.
Produce communication for internal and external publications at institutions including Stanford University. -
Science Communication Intern
Point Reyes National Seashore
(Writing and Editing industry)
September 2008 — January 2009 (5 months)
Drafted news releases and summaries in lay language on park scientific research.
Edited and managed publication of biannual "Parks for Science" newsletter.
Produced podcasts on scientific research at Point Reyes National Seashore and the Pacific Coast -
Writing Intern
Science and Learning Center
(Writing and Editing industry)
June 2008 — September 2008 (4 months)
Wrote news releases covering current scientific research of laboratory scientists.
Composed features for internal and external publication, covering biology, physics, engineering,
and astronomy.
Communicated with members of the media to facilitate coverage of laboratory news. -
Reporting Intern
Santa Cruz Sentinel
(Public Company; 51-200 employees; Newspapers industry)
April 2008 — June 2008 (3 months)
Wrote news and features for local news section of daily newspaper.
Specialized in projects with on-scene reporting requirements. -
Reporting Intern
Salinas Californian
(Writing and Editing industry)
January 2008 — March 2008 (3 months)
Reported and wrote two to four stories a week for daily newspaper, covering breaking news,
agriculture, crime and community events.
Updated newspaper's Web site with breaking news.
Localized wire service stories. -
Science-Writing Intern
Stanford University News Service
(Writing and Editing industry)
September 2007 — December 2007 (4 months)
Wrote articles on science and other subjects for the Stanford Report, the university's weekly faculty
and staff newspaper.
Prepared press releases detailing events and science-related news at Stanford. -
Research Assistant
The Ohio State University College of Medicine
(Research industry)
September 2006 — July 2007 (11 months)
Solely responsible for laboratory setup in support of transplant surgeon's research.
Developed unique protocols for novel investigation.
Carried out molecular biology techniques including cell culture, western blotting, ELISA,
immunoprecipitation and protein assays.
Assisted with animal surgery and pre- and post-operative care. -
Community Agro-forestry Extension Agent/Regional Volunteer Leader
Peace Corps
(Government Agency; 5001-10,000 employees; International Affairs industry)
January 2004 — March 2006 (2 years 3 months)
Completed two month training immersion program focused on development theory, agro-
forestry, cross-culture, and intensive French and Hausa language training.
Authored proposal, secured funding of $20,000, and orchestrated construction of water well.
Published monthly newsletter to keep volunteers in the field apprised of important information.
Coordinated activities and provided logistical, security and emotional support for 25 volunteers
posted in the field. -
Science Intern
The Ocean Alliance
(Research industry)
January 2003 — June 2003 (6 months)
Processed and analyzed toxicology samples using microtomy, microscopy, antibody staining and
microsome preparation; worked in both a laboratory setting and aboard a research vessel.
Reported and translated progress/results via email and telephone to non-science administrators.
Assisted with deckhand and watch duties aboard R/V Odyssey in the Indian Ocean.
Contributed written logs to educational Web site on the Ocean Alliance's Voyage of the Odyssey
(www.pbs.org/odyssey). -
Environmental Education Intern
The Ocean Alliance
(Research industry)
June 2002 — September 2002 (4 months)
Educated 400-600 passengers a day regarding sea life and relevant environmental issues aboard a
whale-watching vessel (Cape Ann Whale Watch).
Recorded behavioral and population data from observations of whales.
John Cannon’s Education
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The Ohio State University
B.S. , Biology, minor in Philosophy , 1998 — 2002
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The Ohio State University
B.S , biology
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University of California
Certificate , science writing
Graduate Science Communication Program (2008). Coursework
and internship experience in news and feature writing, investigative journalism, and audio-visual
storytelling.
Additional Information
John Cannon’s Websites:
John Cannon’s Groups:
NASW
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RPCV - Returned Peace Corps Volunteers -
National Association of Science Writers -
Buckeye Alumni Network -
Peace Corps - Africa -
Science & Natural History Producers -
Peace Corps-West Africa Subgroup
John Cannon’s Contact Settings
Interested In:
- career opportunities
- consulting offers
- new ventures
- job inquiries
- expertise requests
- reference requests
- getting back in touch
