top of page

  Curriculum Vitae

Professional

​

1971-present: Author Specializing in Science & Technology

 

2015-present: PhD Student in Science & Technology Studies, York University

​

 

1991- present: CEO, Draaken Science Communications

 

DRAAKEN SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS develops accurate, accessible internal and external communications in complex technical issues for educational institutions, governments, and the private sector. Target audiences vary from laypersons to technical specialists.

 

Clients include:

 

1986-1991: Director, Communications, Forintek Canada Corp.

 

Forintek is Canada's national R&D agency for wood products. Reported to President. Directed a five-person communications team. Wrote speeches, annual reports, releases, newsletters &c

 

1979-1986: Media Officer / Senior Speechwriter / Senior Science Writer, National Research Council of Canada

 

NRC is Canada's premier R&D organization. Speechwriter to President; National/International media relations; Contributing editor, NRC magazine Science Dimension. Covered breakthroughs e.g. Canadarm, first synthetic human proinsulin gene, cardionatrins, alternative energy, etc.

 

Awards & Distinctions

 

2015: York  University (LaPS/STS), Master of Arts cum laude – Science & Technology Studies

2011-present: York University, Golden Key Honor Society

2011: York University (LaPS/STS), Dean's Circle 2011-12

2004: Canadian Science Writers, Finalist, Non-Fiction Book (Nanocosm)

2003: Toronto Technology Alliance, Canada Innovation Champion (Inaugural Award)

2003: Executive Book Summaries, 30 Best U.S. Business Books (Nanocosm)

2002: National Business Book Award, Finalist (Prototype) – One of 4

1997: Prix d’Excellence (bronze), Dalhousie University (Issues Writing)

1983: Freelance Editors' Awards, Best Magazine (Science Dimension)

​

Citizenship

 

1946: Born in Seattle, WA, USA  [Dual US-Canadian citizen at birth]

1948: Emigrated to Canada

1967: Confirmed Canadian citizenship

1991: Confirmed US citizenship

 

Clubs and Societies

 

2011-present: York University Chapter - Golden Key International Honor Society

2011-12: York University Dean's Circle

 

Volunteer

​

1975-79: Newsletter, Anglican Diocese of Ottawa [Research-Write-Design-Layout]

1979-86: Jackrabbit Cross-Country Ski Instructor, Ottawa [Ages 6-12]

1979-present: Volunteer, Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Diabetes Association, &c

 

Representative Reviews

 

  • Explaining things at the cutting edge is the hardest work of all. Atkinson has a terrific way with words, and makes everything from growing a virtual forest to aligning airplane parts with lasers seem simple. (2001: Globe & Mail Report on Business Magazine, on Prototype)

 

  • Nanocosm is the nanotechnology book we have all been waiting for: accurate, realistic and oh so readable. It’s a rare book that researchers and business people can both enjoy. (2003: F. Mark Modzelewski, Executive Director, NanoBusiness Alliance, New York)

 

  • Rare is the book that can simultaneously entertain, intellectually stimulate, and critically explore technology at multiple levels that reach novice and expert. Delightfully fresh . . . Thought-provoking . . . Avoids the pedantic. (2004: Yale University Physics Today, on Nanocosm

 

Academic Activity

 

2011-present: Straight As in all courses, seminars, and essays

2013: Presented paper at Acadia University, Wolfville NS – HPS Graduate Conference

2015: Presented paper at the University of Iowa – Colloquium on the Scientific Book

2016: Presented paper at the University of Edmonton – Tri-Societies Meeting

2015-present: Book reviewer for Physics Today

bottom of page