5 Questions With Blake Cooper, PhD, Medical Writer & Science Communicator, Open to Work

Blake Cooper is on the hunt for her next role within the Talent Lab and outside of it. She is a highly-motivated scientist and communicator bringing 7 years of extensive translational research experience, specializing in cardiac toxicology. Her expertise in scientific writing and project management is underpinned by a track record of successful grant proposals, top-tier publications, and recognition through prestigious awards. She thrives in both independent and collaborative environments, and continuously seeks out new challenges. She is eager to leverage these skills to become a Medical Writer and produce high-quality communications to inspire pharmaceutical products.

1. What did you want to be when you grow up? How’d you get from there to here?

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by the natural world and trying to understand it. This interest has morphed from exploring my backyard in Austin, Texas, to conducting botanical fieldwork and creating a biomedical lab curriculum at Hendrix College, to leading microbial challenge studies for new medical devices at Microchem Laboratory, to gathering clinical data for a wearable hydration monitor, to uncovering the cardiac consequences of plastic exposure during my PhD at George Washington University in Washington, DC. There was also a moment that I considered using my preprofessional ballet training and join a dance company, but for now I have been exploring that passion on the side. Now, I am eager to start my career as a Medical Writer and join a team of science communicators who share my desire to distill complex information in order to collaboratively move the field forward. 

The one constant throughout my career has been curiosity. I never knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up, but I have found that this consistent desire to learn has unlocked a multidisciplinary toolset that will serve me well. Through medical writing, I can continue to gather information, synthesize it, and present it as dynamic content for others. I believe there is untapped potential in effectively communicating scientific data between the biopharmaceutical industry and healthcare professionals - and I hope to spend the next chapter of my career exploring this space. 

2. How are you helping to build a more connected community? 

BioBuzz’s mission is simple: to be more connected. Our regionally-focused storytelling, programs, events, and experiences create, connect, and amplify impact across the life science workforce in growing hubs. We vibe with people who value community and connection like us. We’d love for you to share how you’re building a more connected community… and any support that you need from our community to continue to accomplish this mission. 

In 2019, I moved from Austin, Texas to Washington, DC to pursue my PhD. It felt like I was starting from scratch in creating a community (and then COVID hit). But as a graduate student in a vibrant city, there was luckily no shortage of ways to stay connected - and I quickly got involved in shaping a new student organization of fellow biomedical scientists. As president of this organization, I expanded outreach to new incoming students, coordinated events to connect with faculty and recent alumni, and even (successfully) advocated for a raise in our annual stipend. More recently, I discovered BioBuzz and have made a concerted effort to attend networking events and mixers in the BioHealth Capital Region. Finally, as I finished up my degree last year, I conducted (30+) informational interviews to learn about the community of scientists at different career stages in my field - locally, nationally, and internationally. These conversations were invaluable for narrowing down my career goals, assembling tips for  how best to a land a job, and feeling significantly more empowered to make an impact in this industry. I hope to continue making these connections and I am still on the job hunt, so if you or someone you know is a Medical Writer, please reach out! 

3. What are currently buzzing about? Anything and everything… 

Since I started my dissertation work on the cardiac toxicity of plastic chemicals, I cannot stop buzzing about the influence of plastics on our environment and our health! I discovered that even small amounts of plastic exposure can lead to adverse outcomes, younger individuals may be more susceptible, and these health effects can span generations. But at the same time, plastics have enabled cheaper and more efficient life-saving medical procedures - all together forming a complex puzzle for regulatory bodies. Along these lines, I have also become passionate about discerning new ways to build public trust in science amidst a world of murky information. Scientific data is inherently complex and at times contradictory, but it cannot exist in a vacuum if we want to see broad behavioral changes and ameliorate health crises. Of course, major changes in transparency must happen at the institutional level (i.e., reevaluating prohibitive paywalls and expectations for tenure). But individual actions can also yield great impact (i.e., using accessible language and eliminating jargon, engaging readers from all backgrounds). I think we have a responsibility as scientists to lead this charge, and even small efforts can be a step in the right direction.  

Beyond my scientific passions, I am also consistently buzzing about finding new recipes, tending to my hydroponic herb garden, and hiking with my fiancé and our 10-year-old husky-shepherd mix. 

4. If you could travel back in time – what early career advice would you give yourself?

Although I am relatively early in my career, I have collected a few pieces of valuable insight that continue to fuel my progress. First, I have learned not to underestimate the power of networking. It’s amazing how many times a perfect stranger can turn into your next job lead or a future colleague. And even if it doesn’t happen right away, it’s a small world, and you may cross paths in the future. So get out of your comfort zone, start conversations, and nurture those professional relationships. Second, I have learned that you can spin most setbacks into a story. Whether you are interviewing for a new position, seeking a promotion from your current role, or simply hoping to improve at your job responsibilities - don’t be deterred by a “bad” day or a “failed” project. If you focus on how you respond and what you can learn, you might even find that these setbacks become an integral part of your journey. Finally, and perhaps most importantly: patience, patience, patience. Not every job can be “the one”, and not every action can contribute to your “calling”. Good things take time.

5. FUN question. You're a writer. If you could interview any medical pioneer or expert, living or dead, who would it be and why?

This is a tough one - there are so many good options! The first person who comes to mind is the one and only Jane Goodall. Her work interacting with chimpanzees in their natural habitat has forever changed our understanding of conservation biology, evolutionary biology, and even human psychology. As a powerful and pioneering woman in her field, she has paved the way for future researchers to think outside-the-box and question conventional methods. I would love to ask her how to maintain confidence and compassion throughout a long career.

But under my science communication hat, I would absolutely want to interview Carl Sagan. I resonate with his belief that “we are all of us scientists” and I’m inspired by his commitment to public outreach. I hope to attain his well-balanced combination of skepticism and wonder as I continue to grow as a scientist and communicator.