Regan Conrad, Phd

Scientific Writing · Medical Communications · Genomics · Data Storytelling

I’m a PhD-trained scientific writer and bioinformatician focused on translating complex biomedical research into clear, accurate communication.My background in translational genomics, oncology research, and data visualization informs my work across medical communications, scientific content development, and evidence-based storytelling.

Experience

I have experience developing and refining scientific content across manuscripts, slide decks, figures, posters, and educational materials. My work emphasizes clarity, accuracy, source alignment, and thoughtful collaboration.

Education

I earned my PhD in Bioinformatics after training in biology and quantitative methods. My research focused on translational genomics, oncology, and communicating complex molecular data.

Contact me

Want to connect about scientific writing, medical communications, or related opportunities? I’d love to hear from you.

Experience

Research Collaborator, Bioinformatics
Boston University | Remote | 2025–Present

  • I currently support the completion of a multi-author translational genomics manuscript focused on lung squamous premalignancy. My work includes refining scientific narratives, revising figures and tables, incorporating coauthor feedback, and maintaining alignment between source data, interpretation, and conclusions.
  • I also conduct targeted follow-up analyses and literature checks to address open scientific questions, strengthen evidentiary support, and help prepare the manuscript for submission.
  • Relevant Skills: Manuscript development, scientific writing, figure/table revision, literature review, data interpretation, coauthor review, source-data alignment

Freelance E-Learning Contractor
Remote | 2025–Present

  • I develop and review structured e-learning materials for a medical device client, translating source materials into clear, organized digital learning content. My work includes building slide-based and interactive modules, reviewing content for clarity and flow, and ensuring materials remain consistent with the underlying references.
  • This role has strengthened my experience with source-based content development, quality review, and audience-appropriate scientific communication.
  • Relevant Skills: E-learning content development, quality review, source-material review, medical education materials, slide development, Articulate Rise

PhD Researcher, Bioinformatics
Boston University | 2020–2025

  • For my doctoral research, I led a translational genomics project investigating molecular and cellular changes associated with lung squamous premalignancy using single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing data from bronchial biopsies, bronchial brushes, and nasal brushes.
  • In addition to designing and executing analyses, I translated complex results into manuscript text, figures, posters, slide materials, and research updates for clinical, computational, and wet-lab collaborators.
  • Relevant Skills: Scientific writing, data visualization, manuscript preparation, translational genomics, oncology research, scRNA-seq, bulk RNA-seq, R, reproducible research

Selected Research Contributions

Tracheal Macrophage Study
Boston University | 2023

  • I contributed supplemental analysis for a peer-reviewed study on monocyte-derived tracheal macrophages and airway regeneration. In response to reviewer feedback, I developed a figure connecting murine findings to human single-cell macrophage data.
  • Link to publication (2024)
  • Relevant Skills: Reviewer-response support, figure development, single-cell RNA-seq, cross-species data interpretation, R, Seurat

NSCLC Prognostic Modeling
Boston University | 2022-2023

  • I processed gene expression data and curated prognostic gene signatures from the literature to support development of a machine learning model integrating pathology images and transcriptomic profiles for survival prediction in non-small cell lung cancer.
  • Link to publication (2024)
  • Relevant Skills: Literature review, gene signature curation, RNA-seq preprocessing, data integration, oncology research

Developmental Biology and Gene Regulation
Clark University | 2019-2020

  • As a research assistant and master’s thesis student, I developed an image-processing workflow to quantify gene expression patterns in Drosophila melanogaster embryos and supported studies of enhancer function during early development.
  • This work included microscopy-based experiments, image analysis, figure generation, methods documentation, and contributions to peer-reviewed publications.
  • Link to publication (2024)
  • Relevant Skills: Scientific writing, figure development, image analysis, MATLAB, ImageJ, microscopy, developmental biology

Core Promoter Analysis
Clark University | 2016-2019

  • For my undergraduate honors thesis, I conducted bioinformatic analysis of core promoter sequence motifs in Drosophila melanogaster, using computational approaches to evaluate nucleotide interdependencies and improve motif prediction.
  • Link to publication (2023)
  • Relevant Skills: Bioinformatics, sequence analysis, motif modeling, MATLAB, scientific research

Teaching & Mentoring

Graduate Teaching Assistantship, Bioinformatics
Boston University | 2023

  • I supported two graduate-level bioinformatics courses by leading office hours, answering student questions, grading coding-based assignments, and mentoring student teams through multi-week analytical projects.
  • I provided detailed feedback on methods, code troubleshooting, biological interpretation, figure clarity, and final project reports, helping students communicate their analyses more clearly and effectively.
  • Relevant Skills: Scientific communication, mentoring, instructional support, technical feedback, R, bioinformatics education

Academic Tutor
The Knowledge Quest | Worcester, MA | 2017-2020

  • I provided individualized academic support for K–12 students across English, math, and science, adapting explanations and learning plans to each student’s needs.
  • This role strengthened my ability to explain complex ideas clearly, meet learners where they are, and communicate with students, families, and teachers.
  • Relevant Skills: Teaching, mentoring, plain-language explanation, individualized communication

education

🎓 Boston University
PhD, Bioinformatics | 2025

  • Dissertation: Dissecting the Airway Field of Injury and Immune Microenvironment in Lung Squamous Premalignancy at a Single Cell Resolution
  • Trained in translational genomics, single-cell and bulk RNA-seq analysis, oncology research, and scientific communication. My doctoral work combined complex data analysis with manuscript development, figure creation, literature review, and presentations for clinical, computational, and wet-lab collaborators.
  • Additional experience: Graduate Teaching Assistant for bioinformatics coursework; President of BiOS Support; mentor for prospective and first-year bioinformatics students.

🎓 Clark University
MS, Biology | 2020

  • Thesis: Development of Image Processing Pipeline for Analysis of twin of eyeless Enhancers in D. melanogaster Embryos
  • Built image analysis workflows using MATLAB and ImageJ to quantify gene expression patterns during embryonic development. Awarded the Lyerla Fellowship for independent research.

🎓 Clark University
BA, Biology, summa cum laude | 2019

  • Honors thesis: Core Promoter Element Nucleotide Analysis in Drosophila melanogaster
  • Studied biology, mathematics, and computational approaches to gene regulation. Completed honors thesis research, co-founded Clark Women in STEM, and served as a teaching assistant for mathematical biology coursework.

Contact me