Technical Documentation Knowledge Base
In my User Ed role at the Broad Institute’s Data Science Platform (DSP), I proved that clear communication isn’t just nice-to-have—it’s essential infrastructure that multiplies engineering impact and accelerates scientific discovery. Helping bring big data analytics to bear solving Big Problems in medicine – from curing cancer to solving schizophrenia – requires bridging the gap between software developers and the end-user research scientists.
Seven years ago I was hired by the Broad Institute’s Data Sciences Platform (DSP) to write documentation for Terra—a cloud-native biomedicine platform that DSP was developing as part of an NIH initiative. But what I really did was transform how users discover and use the platform, while ferreting out inefficiencies and identifying where docs and communication could boost the bottom line.
For a detailed description of problems I tackled with communication solutions, and how a similar approach could help unblock your challenges, see Communication Linguine: Docs that drive ROI.
For examples of technical documentation I’ve written, see Overview: Research in the Cloud on Terra and Paying for your cloud analysis in Terra Support.
Blogs
Exploring topics at the intersection of science and society, Allie’s Milkyway Cafe serves up “great ideas from this galaxy and beyond.” It’s a place to find conversation around cool science, explained in a simple, fun way. So when you go to a real brick and mortar cafe you’ll have something new to talk about.
alliesmilkywaycafe.com
Web Case Studies
Outstanding science should stand out in the crowd, not get lost in the ethernet. I write original content to be interesting and accessible with a nice side of enticing graphics… and the occasional snark, if it’s appropriate.
Draper’s Inherently Secure Processor
Press Releases
With the right words, even the most technical concept can blossom into a stellar press release. I wrote this based on a 30+ page patent – very jargon-dense stuff, more equations than words. The release generated more earned media than any other release in 2017. So much for dull and boring…
This Spacesuit Comes with a “Take Me Home” Button