Thomas Sumner

Directed a high-performing editorial team, overseeing both in-house and freelance writers to produce compelling science communication content.

Developed and managed a comprehensive editorial calendar, strategically aligning content production with organizational communication goals and outreach initiatives.

Led impactful press release and media outreach campaigns, significantly elevating the visibility of scientific work from the Flatiron Institute.

Managed a team of over a dozen freelance writers, copy editors, and designers, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality content for the foundation's website and annual report.

Coordinated strategic publicity efforts with external institutions and successfully pitched compelling stories to news outlets, expanding media reach.

Authored and edited in-depth scientific stories, collaborating closely with researchers to translate complex findings into accessible and impactful content.

Project managed and led the production of annual reports for a prominent U.S. science funder, ensuring timely and impactful communication of key initiatives.

Orchestrated the publicity campaign for the 2023 discovery of gravitational waves from merging supermassive black holes, generating widespread media coverage for a landmark scientific event.

Authored high-impact press releases, translating complex research into accessible narratives for broad public and media consumption.

Authored and coordinated press articles on groundbreaking research from the Flatiron Institute, including a release on a planet-eating star that generated 65 news articles.

Contributed to the production of the foundation's annual report, providing project management and editorial support.

Translated complex scientific findings into engaging press materials, enhancing public understanding and media engagement with advanced research.

Generated high readership and social media engagement through exclusive stories, including a series on methane emissions underestimation by the U.S. EPA.

Produced compelling content for both print and digital editions, covering the earth and environmental sciences beat by synthesizing complex research.

Adapted scientific stories for 'Science News Explores,' effectively communicating complex topics to a younger audience (ages 9 and up).

Reported on cutting-edge scientific research and policy, including precision electron mass measurements and genome encryption, for *Science*'s news website and print journal.

Achieved prominent visibility for published stories, consistently featuring on Reddit's front page due to compelling content.

Contributed to a leading scientific publication by translating complex research into accessible news articles.

Authored engaging press releases and blog posts on diverse scientific topics, including a lost Apollo experiment and cellphone-based weather data collection.

Organized and facilitated press conferences for the AGU Fall Meeting, one of the world's largest scientific conferences.

Managed social media strategy for the AGU Fall Meeting, significantly increasing online engagement and reach.

Authored press releases on diverse Stanford research, including a lost opera recovery and the ethics of de-extinction, securing coverage in LiveScience, Wired, NPR, and The Daily Mail.

Facilitated widespread media coverage for university research, contributing to its public visibility and recognition.

Translated complex academic projects into accessible narratives for a broad audience, enhancing public understanding of scientific advancements.

Reported on breaking science, ecology, and agriculture news across the California Central Coast, including the emerging trend of drones in agriculture.

Consistently secured front-page placement for stories, demonstrating strong journalistic impact and reader engagement.

Investigated and communicated regional scientific and environmental developments to a local audience.

Developed detailed solutions manuals for a conceptual physical sciences textbook, enhancing student learning and comprehension.

Authored instructional content for an introductory quantum mechanics textbook, demonstrating deep subject matter expertise.

Contributed to educational resources by translating complex scientific problems into clear, step-by-step solutions.

Researched, pitched, and authored news articles and blog posts on diverse scientific breakthroughs, from chemotherapy delivery to Venus flytrap biophysics.

Achieved widespread syndication of articles to major outlets including FoxNews.com, The Daily Mail, and LiveScience, significantly expanding content reach.

Translated complex scientific research into engaging and accessible content for a broad public audience.

Served as a committee member, contributing to strategic initiatives for institutional communicators within the National Association of Science Writers.

Evaluated submissions as a judging committee member for the NASW's 2024 Excellence in Institutional Writing Awards.

Presented as a speaker and panelist at events for the New York Hall of Science, the National Academy of Sciences, and other leading scientific organizations, sharing insights on science communication.

Engaged with diverse audiences on science topics, fostering public understanding and interest in scientific advancements.

Moderated r/journalism (86,000 members) and r/journalismjobs (9,100 members) subreddits, ensuring community guidelines and fostering professional discourse.

Maintained a high-quality online environment for over 95,000 journalism professionals, facilitating discussions and knowledge sharing.