Robert Sprackland Ph.D.

Current

• Freelance writer at Robert Sprackland
• Tutor at SCORE! Educational Centers
• Director at The Virtual Museum of Natural History

see less...

Past

• Author at TFH Publications
• Corporate Trainer at Talyst
• Natural History Writer (Contracted) at TFH Publications, Inc.

• Biology Instructor at Renton Technical College
• Senior Writer, White Papers & Case Studies at The Right Writer
• Science Director at Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
• Adjunct Professor of Biology at Front Range Community College
• Adjunct Professor of Biology at The College of Notre Dame
• Zoologist at National Museums of Scotland
• Postgraduate Student in Zoology at The Natural History Museum, London
• Biology/Education Instructor at San Jose State University
• Executive Producer, Educational Television Unit at University of Kansas
• Zoological Editor, Museum Publications at University of Kansas
• Science Instructor at Admiral Farragut Academy

see less...

11 more...

Education

• University College London, U. of London
• University of Idaho
• San Jose State University

• University of Kansas
• University of Central Oklahoma
• Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-Newark

see less...

3 more...

Recommended

6 people have recommended Robert

Connections

112 connections

Industry

Museums and Institutions

Websites

• My Blog
• My Website
• My NPO

Robert Sprackland Ph.D.’s Summary

Formally trained as a biologist (BA, MA, PhD) with extensive experience as technical writer, editor, and trainer for end-users and in-house clients. I am also a college teacher with an MS in education, and expert at teaching biology, writing, and basic computer courses.

My background includes a writing, editing, and producing original materials for books, magazines, professional journal papers, grants, television, and websites. I have worked in Australia, Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, and Austria. Multicultural environments are my home: I have lived in Chinese communities, been adopted into a New Guinea tribe, and worked for several years teaching physiology to African students from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sierra Leone, and Niger.

I am looking to do contract editing, writing, and photography, and offer services as a book doctor. In the latter role I work with subject experts to convert their ideas into viable professional book proposals for agents or publishers.

Robert Sprackland Ph.D.’s Specialties:

Computer writing, editing, and desktop publishing skills; photography and photo manipulation; excellent at getting groups to work cooperatively; extensive knowledge of research methods and analysis; excellent customer skills. I work well in environments where several skill sets are required (or at least appreciated).

Robert Sprackland Ph.D.’s Experience

• Freelance writer

  Robert Sprackland

  (Writing and Editing industry)

  March 2009 — Present (9 months)

  Researching, writing, and editing; specialist in biological and biomedical topice.

• Tutor

  SCORE! Educational Centers

  (Public Company; 11-50 employees; WPO; Education Management industry)

  September 2008 — Present (1 year 3 months)

  As a SCORE! tutor I work with from one to three students at a time, teaching them essential skills in reading, writing, math, or algebra. Students range from Kindergarten through tenth grade. In some cases, students are enrolled to keep a competitive edge, but most students need to catch up on these important skills sets. http://www.scorelearning.com/

• Director

  The Virtual Museum of Natural History

  (Museums and Institutions industry)

  July 1997 — Present (12 years 5 months)

  I co-founded the VMNH to conduct and publish research information about biodiversity and bioexploration. During 1999-2003 I was largely involved full-time conducting research in Papua New Guinea and eastern Australia, resulting in a television program, several published articles, web contributions, and reports, and four books. Website at www.curator.org.

• Author

  TFH Publications

  (Museums and Institutions industry)

  1977 — 2009 (32 years )

• Corporate Trainer

  Talyst

  (Privately Held; Hospital & Health Care industry)

  August 2007 — February 2008 (7 months)

  Talyst designs software for inventory and dispensing control of automated pharmacies, and provides appropriate hardware. My responsibilities included training clients in the operation of the system, orienting internal clients about the full scope of the systems, and researching, writing, and producing a variety of print and web-based teaching materials. http://talyst.com/

• Natural History Writer (Contracted)

  TFH Publications, Inc.

  (Publishing industry)

  1977 — 2008 (31 years )

  Authored books: "All About Lizards" (1977); "Giant Lizards" (1992); "Aquaterrariums" (1994); Giant Lizards, Second Edition" (2009); "Ecotourist's Guide to Lizards of the World" (2009).
  
  Wrote articles for magazines: "Tropical Fish Hobbyist," "Reptile Hobbyist," and "Reptile & Amphibian Hobbyist"; wrote monthly column for latter. http://www.tfhpublications.com/

• Biology Instructor

  Renton Technical College

  (Higher Education industry)

  January 2006 — August 2007 (1 year 8 months)

  Senior/lead teacher of human anatomy and physiology courses to pre-nursing, nursing, and other health-care students. Produced a variety of written materials, web-based instruction, and practical labs that were based on practical health-care situations. Advised students on career and education options, and facilitated placing students in jobs and intern programs. Teaching evaluations exemplary. http://www.rtc.edu/

• Senior Writer, White Papers & Case Studies

  The Right Writer

  (Writing and Editing industry)

  2003 — 2006 (3 years )

  Researched, analyzed, written and edited a variety of materials -- primarily in print formats -- for high-tech, university, hospital, and business school clients. Most information was based on proprietary information, but included reports about silver therapy for wound healing, internal heartbeat monitors, adverse drug events, microelectronic circuitry, quantum computers, wildlife conservation, and educational policies.

• Science Director

  Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

  (Museums and Institutions industry)

  2003 — 2004 (1 year )

  Managed a $340,000 annual budget and staff of 17 professionals in Exhibits Department of large metropolitan museum. Supervised work and work flow of grant writers, exhibit information researchers, and consultants; acted as link among several departments; aided in providing publicity for the museum and new exhibits; and represented the science mission in interviews for television, radio and the newspapers.

• Adjunct Professor of Biology

  Front Range Community College

  (Educational Institution; 501-1000 employees; Higher Education industry)

  May 2001 — August 2002 (1 year 4 months)

  Taught human anatomy and physiology lectures and laboratories to nursing, pre-medical, and various allied health students.

• Adjunct Professor of Biology

  The College of Notre Dame

  (Educational Institution; 501-1000 employees; Higher Education industry)

  August 1996 — June 1999 (2 years 11 months)

  Designed and taught courses in human physiology for pre-medical and pre-nursing studenst, plus a general biology course and supervised undergraduate research projects in microbiology, epidemiology, and marine biology. Coordinated students and internships and study abroad opportunities.

• Zoologist

  National Museums of Scotland

  (Museums and Institutions industry)

  1995 — 1998 (3 years )

  The national museum of natural history has large specimen collections dating back to 1859, but the reptile collection had never been identified and catologued. I accomplished that task, sorting, identifying, and curating thousands of specimens as Scotland's first official museum herpetologist.
  http://www.nms.ac.uk/museumscollectioncentrehomepage.aspx

• Postgraduate Student in Zoology

  The Natural History Museum, London

  (Government Agency; 1001-5000 employees; Museums and Institutions industry)

  October 1993 — November 1995 (2 years 2 months)

  The museum was my base for conducting studies on the evolution, variation and relationships of lizards of the southwestern Pacific region. The work involved extensive and detailed anatomical study, development of a statistical analysis procedure, the use of several computer programs, and the ability to research, analyze, and report on research to the highest levels of expertise.

• Biology/Education Instructor

  San Jose State University

  (Educational Institution; 10,001 or more employees; Higher Education industry)

  1988 — 1991 (3 years )

  As assistant to the Dean of the School of Education, I wrote and managed grants, set up conferences, and made contributions to professional projects. Taught use of computers in the classroom, zoology laboratory, and writing for engineers and scientists courses. Managed -- as associate curator -- university's vertebrate zoology museum. Supervised student teachers, responsible for mentoring and their certification as final step before getting state teaching credentials.

• Executive Producer, Educational Television Unit

  University of Kansas

  (Educational Institution; 1001-5000 employees; Higher Education industry)

  1984 — 1986 (2 years )

  Overall supervisor in charge of daily operations of television facility. Wrote, directed, and producfed scripts for external paying clients; supervised student productions and practice sessions; produced educational TV for campus use; managed staff of two full-time and numerous students; represented TV unit at departmental meetings with School of Education; hired and trained paid staff; approved schedules and contracts for locations and actors.

• Zoological Editor, Museum Publications

  University of Kansas

  (Educational Institution; 1001-5000 employees; Higher Education industry)

  1981 — 1982 (1 year )

  Edited manuscripts submitted for publication in one of the Natural History Museum's several journal series; edited manuscripts by museum staff intended for outside publication; maintained correspoindence with authors and printers; provided publicity information for several media sources, including newspapers, radio, and University Press Office.

• Science Instructor

  Admiral Farragut Academy

  (Privately Held; 11-50 employees; Primary/Secondary Education industry)

  1979 — 1980 (1 year )

  Taught Biology, Physics, and Marine Biology at private US Navy Preparatory School. Designed, supervised construction, and managed research aquarium built on estuary for use by Academy and students from Princeton and Rutgers Universities. Supervised staff of two plus various cadet volunteers.

Robert Sprackland Ph.D.’s Education

• University College London, U. of London

  Ph.D. , Evolutionary Zoology: Herpetology , 1993 — 1995

  Served as Assistant Editor for U.S.-based magazine, "The Vivarium", for three years.
  Awarded Ph.D. in shortest time in the Faculty of Science.
  Versions of thesis published in several journals and magazines.
  Completed one published book while in London.
  http://www.anat.ucl.ac.uk/

  Activities and Societies:

  Elected Fellow, Linnean Society of London
  Elected Fellow, Zoological Society of London
  Elected Board Member, British Herpetological Society
  Elected Life Member, Milton Keynes Herpetological Society

• University of Idaho

  Zoology 1989 — 1991

  Took one-year of graduate courses in zoology/biology in preparation for Ph.D. studies.
  Taught General Biology laboratories as teaching assistant.

  Activities and Societies:

  Member, Joseph Campbell Study Group.

• San Jose State University

  M.A. , Biology , 1985 — 1987

  Studied for master's degree in biology (zoology).

  Activities and Societies:

  Special Assistant to the Dean of School of Education, to write and edit grant requests, help manage grant budgets, arrange and supervise research program-related meetings and conferences, and to co-teach Technology in the Science Classroom courses.
  Associate Curator of University Museum of Vertebrate Biology.

• University of Kansas

  B.A., M.S. , Zoology, Paleontology, Education , 1972 — 1986

  Activities and Societies:

  Co-founder, Kansas Herpetological Society
  Founder and Senior Instructor, KU Gung Fu Club
  Co-founder and Piper, Oread Highlanders Bagpipes and Drums
  Cadet, US Air Force ROTC
  Officer, US Coast Guard Auxilliary
  Field Member, KU Natural History Society

• University of Central Oklahoma

  Biology, Education 1983 — 1985

  Activities and Societies:

  Television Engineer, Instructional/Community Television Unit.
  Wrote, directed, and edited televisions programs.
  Elected member of Sigma Xi, Society of Scientific Research.
  Laboratory instructor, General Zoology and Comparative Anatomy courses.

• Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-Newark

  Evolutiona and Ecology 1980 — 1981

  Took evening courses as preparation for Ph.D. studies and to earn credits towards renewing NJ teaching credential.

Additional Information

Robert Sprackland Ph.D.’s Websites:

• My Blog
• My Website
• My NPO

Robert Sprackland Ph.D.’s Interests:

Writing for publication, playing the bagpipes, exploration of tropics, photography, boating, martial arts, science fiction, studying history, model-making. Very interested in most aspects of natural history, especially reptiles, fishes, dinosaurs, and octopuses.

Robert Sprackland Ph.D.’s Groups:

Australian Herpetological Society
Australian Society of Herpetologists
Australasian Society of Zookeepers
Australian Museum Society
Deutsce Gesellschaft fur Herpetologie und Terrarienkunde (DGHT)
American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists
Herpetologists' League
Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles
Fellow, Zoological Society of London
Fellow, Zoological Society of New South Wales
Fellow, The Linnean Society of London
British Herpetological Society
Society of Sigma Xi
National Writers Union
Society of Vertebrate Paleontologists, Military History Discussion

•    San Jose State University (official group)
•    World Wildlife Fund
•    Linked:HR (#1 Human Resources Group)
•    LinkEds & writers
•    Australia NetWork
•    Friends of Australia
•    The University of Central Oklahoma Alumni
•    University College London Alumni
•    The Humane Society of the U.S.
•    Freelance Success
•    Kansas Alumni
•    Published Authors Network
•    Pet Friendly, Animal Lovers
•    Authors, Writers, Publishers, Editors, and other Professionals
•    Nature Conservancy
•    Linkin Papua New Guinea
•    Science Writers
•    Zoo and Aquarium
•    National Association of Biology Teachers
•    Online College Executives and Professionals
•    American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers
•    Expat Focus
•    Expats living in Australia
•    Museums and the Web
•    International Council for Training of Museum Personnel- International Council of Museums
•    Museum Design
•    Specialty Retail / Souvenir Professionals
•    Textbook Publishing Professionals
•    Books and Writers
•    A Job Needed - A Job Posted
•    Papua New Guinea professionals
•    Journalistics
•    Animal Behavior Professionals
•    Exhibition Development
•    CustomThai.com Importers
•    JOBS IN APAC
•    Reptile Breeders
•    National Security Australia Forum
•    BookLink

Robert Sprackland Ph.D.’s Honors:

Peninsula Press Club Award for Environmental Magazine Story Writing.
O.S.C. Biodiversity Research Grant for research in Australia, $2700.
Chicago Herpetological Society Grant, $750.
O.S.C. Biodiversity Research Grant for research in Australia, $2500.
D.G.H.T. (Germany) grant to present paper in Germany, $420.
Private foundation grant for research in Paris, $3200.
Linnean Society Grant for research in Paris, $1000.
Private foundation research grant, $10,000.
San Diego Herpetological Society Research Grant, $740.
University College London Graduate School Grant for Research at Senckenberg Museum, Frankfurt, Germany, $800.
University of London Central Research Fund Grant, $860.
Seattle Gung Fu Club Grant for Zoological Research, $800/year.
Vice Chancellor’s Postgraduate Scholarship, London,$10,500/year.
Society of Archimedes Grant for Graduate Research, San Jose, $1,500.

Robert Sprackland Ph.D.’s Contact Settings

Interested In:

• career opportunities
• consulting offers
• new ventures
• expertise requests
• reference requests
• getting back in touch