(415) 760-8058
Bio
The Back Story
I'm a science writer, editor, and communications strategist with more than 20 years of experience translating complex research into stories people want to read. Since 2012, I've been at Stanford University, where I lead editorial storytelling at the Woods Institute for the Environment, covering work on climate, water, oceans, health, energy, and conservation. Before Stanford, I worked as a newspaper and magazine reporter covering everything from political scandal in Pennsylvania to chemical weapons disposal in Alabama. At the U.S. House of Representatives, I helped design and manage internal and external communications. As a freelance writer, I've contributed to national publications, including Travel + Leisure, Dwell, and National Geographic. As a researcher and copywriter, I've developed campaigns for corporations and nonprofits, such as Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. My work spans features, Q&As, explainers, videos, multimedia projects, and other formats. My subjects range from architecture and culture to environmental science and social justice, but the common thread is making rigorous ideas clear, accessible, and compelling for general audiences. I hold an M.S. in journalism from Columbia University and a B.A. in history from Connecticut College.
“Rob is one of those rare writers who combines strong reporting skills with a vivid storytelling style.
Sara Clemence
Travel Editor, Off Duty, Wall Street Journal
“Rob brings seasoned reporting skills, compelling writing, and enthusiasm to his stories. It’s always a pleasure to work with him.”
Jennifer Flowers
Associate Editor, Travel + Leisure
“Rob meets deadlines, checks his facts and almost never makes copy errors. But the great thing about Rob is his versatility. There are not a lot of writers who can write both news and marketing copy, in so many different styles and forms. Rob is a go-to guy whether its a 300-word destination review, a longer narrative or an after-dinner speech. He can nail a funny, whimsical voice, which is pretty rare.”
Josh Schonwald
Author, The Taste of Tomorrow: Dispatches from the Future of Food
Professional History
Work Experience
Stanford University (Woods Institute for the Environment) - Communications Writer
March 2012 -
Raise visibility of environment and sustainability research at Stanford
Develop content for web properties, research briefs, press releases, etc.
Travel + Leisure; Fodor’s; Dwell; Miami Herald; BlackBook; et al. - Freelance Writer
July 2007 - March 2012
Contributed features, profiles and columns on newsmakers, culture, environment, etc.
Inter-American Association for Environmental Defense - Writer / Editor
April 2010 - March 2012
Developed persuasive and informative content for international organization
Edited press releases, media updates and other promotional material
U.S. House of Representatives (CAO) - Communications Specialist
August 2009 - August 2011
Wrote and edited content for House.gov (1 million+ visitors/month) and House intranet
Crafted executive speeches, press releases and other media-focused communications
University of Chicago (National Opinion Research Center) - Coauthor
July 2007 - May 2008
Field-researched and wrote book on innovative study of poverty and financial risk in Asia
Miami New Times - Reporter
October 2005 - July 2007
Covered range of issues, from environment to social justice, in feature-length stories
Awards
First place, press release: 2018 Greater Bay Area Journalism Awards
Fellow, New York Times Institute on the Environment, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, 2008
First place, arts reporting: 2008 Society of Professional Journalists Sunshine State
Second place, First Amendment defense, 2008 Florida Press Association Awards
Third Place, arts feature, 2008 AAN AltWeekly Awards
First place, news features: 2007 Education Writers Association National Awards
Honorable mention, regional news: 2007 White House Correspondents Association Awards
Second place, business reporting: 2007 Society of Professional Journalists Awards of Excellence
First place, news features: 2005 Alabama Associated Press Managing Editors Awards