TreeHouse Foods

Communications Manager, Social and Digital Engagement

Patina Solutions

Communications Consultant

Karen Nicholas Communications

Freelance Writer & Communications Professional

Millig Design Build

I recruited and onboarded new employees and created various communication pieces to increase employee engagement. I created a Human Resources department and established internal communications best practices. I helped plan events and contributed to our marketing communications efforts.

Director of Communications & Employee Relations

Willdan Performance Engineering 

I provided communication strategy, developed content for both internal and external audiences and recruited new employees for our division. 

I created targeted communications to ensure employee engagement. I identified new ways to improve and innovate our internal and external communication practices and channels, including monthly update meetings, a branded Medium.com site, video communications, etc. 

I also recruited, hired, and onboarded new employees. I focused on furthering initiatives around Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, particularly in the hiring, recruiting, and onboarding process.

Communications & Talent Acquisition Manager

I designed presentations to share critical findings with clients, focusing on simplicity and client engagement. I also helped package our data into consumable content such as charts, graphs, etc.

University of Kansas

As the first communications person for the IT Department, I created and oversaw all communication efforts, including communications planning, crisis communications, and copywriting. I developed internal communication strategies and materials to support new launches, programs, and processes. 

I distilled complex, technical information into simple, digestible, and actional messages for diverse internal audiences, including students, faculty, and staff.  I also built relationships with other departments and team members to ensure seamless launches of new technologies and programs.

IT Communications & Media Relations Manager

David Evans and Associates, Inc.

As the first person in my role,  I created and executed a media relations program – including pitching media, writing press releases, ghostwriting bylines, and submitting applications for various awards. I ensured our external messages were consistent with our internal messages and focused my efforts on telling DEA’s brand story. 

I developed media pitches and articles to attract and engage with new talent through employee profiles in publications, company culture articles, and Best Places to Work awards. We were ranked on Fortune’s 100 Best Places to Work during my time in this role. 

I engaged with senior leadership and colleagues on media outreach opportunities and provided media training, including crisis communications guidance. 

I also assisted in various internal communications efforts, including contributions to internal newsletters and employee communication pieces.

Media Relations Manager

Edelman

Account Supervisor

Special Olympics Texas

Public Relations Coordinator

Corporate Communications | Writer | Employee & Internal Communications - Helping companies engage with their employees and clients

In our current remote/hybrid work environment, engaging and communicating with employees has never been more challenging – or essential. Creating an environment for employees to be the best versions of themselves is not only a cultural win – it’s also a business win.

A Gallup "State of the Workplace" report found that when employees are engaged at work, profitability increases by 21%. Yet, this same report shared that 65% of employees aren’t engaged at work.

We spend a lot of time talking “at” people – not necessarily “to” them. My goal isn’t just to communicate a message. My goal is to ensure those messages are delivered and digested by the audience. It’s also my responsibility to provide executive guidance and direction when messages aren’t the right voice and fit for the audience.

With a background in media relations, editorial content creation, internal communications and employee relations, I bring a range of creative skills and experience to any position. Communicating with employees and partners can be a company's greatest strength rather than its biggest weakness.

Karen Nicholas

ANHSCA American National High School Championship Association

Instructor/Mentor for Forensics Club: Be a Super Sleuth!
     •	Lead sessions about observational skills, DNA analysis, Fingerprinting, and more! 
     •  Opportunity to meet a guest who is a retired forensics investigator
     •  Engage in lively discussion and build critical thinking skills!

Instructor, ANHSCA

Transformational Copywriting

Freelance Science Writer specializing in simplifying complex biological concepts.

Freelance Science Writer

The University of Memphis

Instructor in TigerLIFE classes, which assist students with intellectual disabilities in transitioning from school to work.
     •	Social Skills for Employability & Workforce Training I
              •	 Designed and implemented curriculum for each course
              •	 Managed laboratory and community-based experiences to enhance learning of life skills
              •	 Empowered students to recognize their personal skill sets and align skills with employment opportunities

Instructor, TigerLIFE

Responsible for curriculum development and teacher training for the TigerLIFE program
     •	Developed curriculum and lesson plans 
     •	Performed teacher observations and provided feedback
     •	Assisted instructors in completing midterm and end-of-semester progress reports
     •	Assisted in screening and interviewing instructor candidates
     •	Assisted with the transition to teaching online only from March 2020 – May 2021. 
     •	Implemented innovative ways to use Zoom and Schoology to best provide instruction in a virtual platform

Instructional and Curriculum Coordinator

Instructor in TigerLIFE classes, which assist students with intellectual disabilities in transitioning from school to work.
     •	Health Advocacy/Community Exploration/Post-employment Skills and Advocacy/Senior Workforce Training
              •	 Designed and implemented curriculum for each course
              •	 Managed laboratory and community-based experiences to enhance learning of life skills
              •	 Empowered students to recognize their personal skill sets and align skills with employment opportunities
              •	 These classes were taught remotely, using Zoom and Schoology, from March 2020 – May 2021.

Instructor, TigerLIFE Program

Responsible for designing the curriculum for the Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program mandated by the federal government, training teachers in implementing the curriculum, and maintaining proper service records for the state of Tennessee.
     •	Designed curriculum for the University of Memphis Institute on Disability Pre-ETS Summer Institutes 
        as well as the high school curriculum provided at local high schools during the school year
     •	Directed teachers in the proper implementation of the curriculum and maintenance of records
     •	Community outreach to local high schools to explain the program and initiate the process of 
        registering students for the program

Coordinator of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

Lichterman Nature Ctr

Taught school aged children, K-8, about ecosystems, animal behavior, animal care and the environment.
     •	Introduced students to native animals – corn snake, King snake, red-eared slider, opossum
     •	Outreach programs for aftercare programs and daycares
     •	Assisted in updating the nature handbook for visitors
     •	These programs are open to students of all abilities

Teacher/Naturalist

Kelly

Substituted in elementary, middle school, and high school with emphasis on experience in special education classrooms as a paraprofessional as well as the lead teacher

Substitute Teacher

Lausanne Collegiate School

•	Taught Honors Biology, Honors Biotechnology and International Baccalaureate (IB)  Biology, Higher Level and Standard Level.
•	Developed, organized and chaperoned international science research trips to Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands.
•	Developed a new course: Honors Biotechnology.  Designed course content, prepared lab material cost estimates, and obtained approval from administration.
•	Experienced and comfortable working in multicultural environment (42 countries represented on campus).
•	Mentored the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Club, each year having students win regional competitions and advancing to state and national competitions.
•	Mentored students conducting summer research projects for the International Baccalaureate Extended Essay.
•	Student Support Team member. This committee works to resolve honor code conflict and behavioral issues.
•	Team captain for Science Bowl Team competition. We took fourth place in 2009, second place in 2011 and first place in 2015.
•	Mentored students who were doing research projects for the Memphis-Shelby County Science Fair. One advanced to the Intel Science and Engineering Fair. 
•	Developed and co-presented training session on using blogging in the science classroom at the annual Laptop Institute conference.

ScienceTeacher

Rhodes College

•	Studied the effect of mutations on cell wall genes of Aspergillus nidulans. The goal of the research was to discover antifungal drugs that interfere with fungal cell wall development.
•	Mentored students doing undergraduate research projects. 
•	Responsible for ordering, lab safety and supervision and training of students.
•	Co-taught Methods in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, a laboratory course. Setup laboratory stations and guided students through all laboratory techniques.

Research Associate

•	Taught Biochemistry, Advanced Biochemistry, Organic laboratory and Chemistry Junior Seminar.

Visiting Professor, Chemistry

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

•	Studied the host range specificity of two paramyxoviruses, a murine pathogen (Sendai Virus) and a human pathogen (human parainfluenza virus type 1, hPIV1). The goal of the project was to generate an effective vaccine against hPIV1.
•	Mentored Rhodes students in “Interdisciplinary Approaches to Cancer Research and Treatment”. Assisted the students in critically examining the assigned papers and preparing PowerPoint presentations. In addition, critiqued weekly written assignments.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Pittsburgh

•	Investigated whether copper was the cause or side effect in peroxisome proliferator induced hepatic hyperplasia. 
•	This project required strong animal handling skills, tissue culture work and excision of liver samples for further study

Graduate Student

Do you sometimes trip over the words to use, or see eyes glaze over, when explaining your work/fascination with science to a friend or acquaintance who is not an expert in your field?

If you answered “YES”, I can be the “catalyst” that takes your information and accelerates the rate at which information is presented to your target audience in a clear, concise, and understandable way.

WHY ME?

🎯 I have been your target audience.
 🎓 I am a life-long learner with a PhD in biochemistry. 
🍎 I taught high school Biology (Honors/AP/IB) and Biotechnology 
🧪 I taught collegiate Biochemistry, Organic Laboratory, and Methods in Biochemistry and Cell Biology 
🥼 I have been part of academic and industrial research teams. 
📚 I have research publications and presented at scientific conferences. 

WHAT DOES ALL OF THAT EXPERIENCE MEAN FOR YOU?

🔬 I know the language of science, the difficulties in learning it, and the challenges of research. 
📜 I have been trained by American Writers & Artists Institute (AWAI) - the industry-recognized leader in content and copywriter training. 

I CAN HELP YOU

As your writing “catalyst”, I will take your ideas and bring them together to create a product that will spark with your target audience!

My passion is translating scientific jargon in a way that is accessible to everyone. If I am curious about something, I will dig until I find the answer. 

I thrive on figuring things out and sharing that information with others. I will help with “ah-ha!” moments that generate satisfaction with your product, leading to retention and referrals.

WHEN I AM NOT READING OR WRITING…

I like to hike in the Rocky Mountains, sit by a lake or stream, or gaze at the stars. I read mystery, crime, and science fiction. Time spent with my family is precious to me.

LET’S TALK! 

Now that you have found a scientist who understands your work and loves to write – let’s talk! 

Contact me directly here on LinkedIn or email me at annette@annetteteepe.com. 

Biotech | Health | Medical 
E-newsletters | Blogs | Articles | Case Studies

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The Battle

Karen Nicholas

Annette Teepe, PhD

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