Val serves as advisor/mentor to graduate students; teaches scientific writing courses;
and edits scientific, biology, ecology, and and medical research papers.
After earning her Ph.D. from the University of California at Santa Cruz, Val Gerard worked as a research biologist at Dalhousie University and the California Institute of Technology, doing research in marine ecology and development of alternative energy resources. She ultimately accepted a faculty position at the State University of New York, Stony Brook, and retired from that position in 1999.
During her academic career, Val published over fifty papers in the fields of ecology, botany, zoology, physiology, biochemistry, and mathematical modeling (see her publication list, below). She wrote a million dollars worth of successful grant proposals to federal, state, and private funding agencies. Val served as advisor and/or mentor to many students, and she has over thirty years of experience in classroom teaching, including scientific writing courses. She also acted as associate editor, editorial board member, and/or reviewer for over twenty scientific journals, including Science.
SPECIALITIES
Science editing and writing
Medical editing and writing
Including: medicine, biology, chemistry, physiology, oceanography,
environmental science, environmental policy
ACADEMIC POSITIONS
- Adjunct, University of Oregon, Cascades Campus 2001-02
- Associate/Assistant Professor, SUNY Stony Brook 1983-1999 (retired 1999)
- Visiting Associate Professor, University of Oregon 1998
- Visiting Associate Professor, University of California, Davis 1990
- Research Fellow, California Institute of Technology 1978-83
PUBLICATIONS
Benson, A.A., A.M. Nonomura & V.A. Gerard. 2009. The path of carbon in photosynthesis. XXV. Plant and algal growth responses to glycopyranosides. J. Plant Nutrition 32:1185-1200
Korb, R. & V.A.Gerard. 2000. Effects of concurrent low temperature and low nitrogen supply on polar and temperate seaweeds. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 198:73-82
Korb, R. & V.A..Gerard. 2000. Nutrient assimilation characteristics of polar seaweeds from differing nitrogen environments. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 198:83-92
Gerard, V.A., R.M. Cerrato & A. Larson. 1999. Potential impacts of a western Pacific grapsid crab on intertidal communities of the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. Biol.Invasions 1:353-361
Gerard, V.A. 1999. Positive interactions between cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora, and the brown alga, Ascophyllum nodosum ecad scorpioides, in a mid-Atlantic coast salt marsh. J.Exp.Mar.Biol.Ecol. 239:157-164
Gerard, V.A. 1997. The role of nitrogen nutrition in high-temperature tolerance of the kelp, Laminaria saccharina (Chromophyta). J.Phycol. 33:800-810
Gerard, V.A. 1997. Environmental stress during early development of kelp sporophytes (Laminaria saccharina): How long do effects persist? J.Appl.Phycol. 9:5-9
Gerard, V.A., & T. Driscoll. 1996. A spectrophotometric assay for Rubisco activity: application to the kelp Laminaria saccharina and implications for radiometric assays. J.Phycol. 32:880-884
Bruhn, J., & V.A. Gerard. 1996. Photoinhibition and recovery of the kelp, Laminaria saccharina, at optimal and superoptimal temperatures. Mar.Biol. 125: 639-648
Gerard, V.A. 1995. Recent changes in nearshore, communities in Long Island Sound. Proc.Long Island Sound Res.Conf. NY Sea Grant Inst. Publ. no. NYSGI-W-94-001, pp. 77-79
Gerard, V.A. & C.N. Conarck. 1991. Identifying the cause an early onset of seizures in puppies with epileptic parents. Vet.Med. 11:1060-61
Gerard, V.A. 1990. Ecotypic differentiation in the kelp Laminaria saccharina: phase-specific adaptation in a complex life-cycle. Mar.Biol. 107:519-528
Gerard, V.A., S. Dunham & G. Rosenberg. 1990. Nitrogen-fixation by cyanobacteria associated with Codium fragile (Chlorophyta): environmental effects and transfer of fixed nitrogen. Mar.Biol. 105:1-8
Burgman, M.A. & V.A. Gerard. 1990. A stage-structured, stochastic population model of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera. Mar.Biol. 105:15-23
Greene, R.M. & V.A. Gerard. 1990. Effects of high-frequency light fluctuations on growth and photoacclimation of the red alga, Chondrus crispus. Mar.Biol. 105:337-344
Gerard, V.A. 1990. Let's be honest about epilepsy. Dog World 75:26-29
Gerard, V.A. 1989. Seaweeds, pp. 205-212. In The Biomass Handbook. Gordon and Breach, London
Gerard, V.A. 1988. Ecotypic differentiation in light-related traits of Laminaria saccharina. Mar.Biol. 97:25-36
Gerard, V.A. & K. DuBois. 1988. Temperature ecotypes near the southern boundary of the kelp, Laminaria saccharina. Mar.Biol. 97:575-80
Gerard, V.A. 1987. Hydrodynamic streamlining of Laminaria saccharina in response to mechanical stress. J.Exp.Mar.Biol.Ecol. 107:237-244
Gerard, V.A., K. DuBois & R. Greene. 1987. Growth of two Laminaria saccharina populations to environmental variation. Hydrobiologia 151:229-232
Gerard, V.A. 1987. Optimizing biomass production on marine farms. In Seaweed cultivation for renewable resources. Elsevier, Amsterdam
Gerard, V.A. 1986. Photosynthetic characteristics of Macrocystis pyrifera determined in situ. Mar.Biol. 90:473-482
Gerard, V.A. 1984. The light environment in a giant kelp forest: influence of Macrocystis pyrifera on spatial and temporal variability. Mar.Biol. 84:189-195
Gerard, V.A. 1984. Physiological effects of El Nino on giant kelp in southern California. Mar.Bio.Lett. 5:317-22
Gerard, V.A. & W.J. North. 1984. Measuring growth, production, and yield of the giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera. Hydrobiologia 116:321-324
Gerard, V.A. & H. Kirkman. 1984. Ecological observations on a branched, loose-lying form of Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. Agardh in New Zealand. Bot.Mar. 27:105-109
Gerard, V.A. 1982. In situ water motion and nutrient uptake by the giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera. Mar.Biol. 69:51-54
Gerard, V.A. 1982. In situ rates of nitrate uptake by Macrocystis pyrifera: tissue differences, environmental effects, and predictions of N-limited growth. J.Exp.Mar.Biol.Ecol. 62:211-224
Gerard, V.A. 1982. Growth and utilization of internal nitrogen reserves by the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera in a low nitrogen environment. Mar.Biol. 66:27-35
Manley, S., L. Anderson, V. Gerard, J. Kuwabara, & W. North. 1982. Environmental considerations involved in farming Macrocystis. Proc.Intern. Gas Res.Conf. pp. 693-8
North, W.J., V.A. Gerard, & J. Kuwabara. 1982. Farming Macrocystis at coastal and oceanic sites. In Synthetic and degradative processes in marine macrophytes. Walter de Gruyter, Berlin.
Gerard, V.A. & W.J. North. 1981. Kelp growth on an ocean farm in relation to fertilizing. Proc. Internat.Seaweed Symp. 10:581-586
North, W.J., V.A. Gerard, & R. McPeak. 1981. Experimental fertilizing of coastal Macrocystis beds. Proc.Internat. Seaweed Symp. 10:613-618
North, W.J. V.A. Gerard, & J. Kuwabara. 1981. Biomass production by freshwater and marine macrophytes. In Biomass as a nonfossil fuel source. ACS Symp.Ser. 144
Gerard, V.A. & K.H. Mann. 1979. Growth and production of Laminaria longicruris populations exposed to different intensities of water movement. J.Phycol. 15:33-41
Gerard, V.A. 1979. Neptune's jungle. Anim.Kingd. 82:19-25
Pearse, J.S. & V.A. Gerard. 1977. Kelp forests. In Coastal ecosystem management. John Wiley, NY
For more information about Val Gerard, click here to read her self-interview.
Feedback “Dr. Val Gerard was extremely helpful and was really in tune with what I wanted. Her comments on my article are precise and informative. Will definitely ask for her service if I need help with manuscripts or grant proposals.” Jan Chang, UMass Boston "Val, thank you SO much! I just met with my advisor to discuss this paper and am feeling much better about it, thanks to your tremendous help. I have to make some updates based on his feedback, which are primarily additions to the study intros & discussions and technical changes to the analyses, so I'm happy too that none of your work will be wasted. I wish I had collaborators like you! I'm surprised and pleased to be working with someone who's fast, meticulous, and so honest in keeping track of time and letting me know that the project came in under budget. And thank you again for getting this done so quickly - I'm thoroughly impressed." Doctoral student, Harvard Business School, 2011 (On file with network coordinator) “Thanks for sending the suggested revisions. I accepted nearly all of them and the brief is much improved. It’s been excellent working with you on this, as usual.” (On file with network coordinator) “Dr. Gerard is a wonderful writer. She took something that was a bit dry and made it engaging and easy for regular people to understand. Also, she is lovely to work with.” Vanessa Spann, associate editor, Healthy Travel Media "Very professional and timely. I am very satisfied with the level of service I received." (Contact information on request) "Val provided timely and professional service. Her background in science and experience in writing make her an expert in editing science journal paper drafts. She spotted those awkward/confusing words, sentences, and paragraphs right away and rewrote/rearrange them in a much more concise and clearer way. She is a very nice person and gave general advice about writing as well. I hope I am richer so I can get more help from her (we poor scientists :-))." Research scientist in atmospheric chemistry modelling, U.S., 2008 (contact information on request) "I have used other proofreading services before, but they are not comparable with the work done by Dr. Val Gerard. It was outstanding. I will strongly recommend her to other colleagues that are working with us." Researcher in Marine Biology, Argentina, 2008 (contact information on request). "Val has been a great asset for my academic career. She asks smart questions about the data presented with such thoughtful insight that is like a reviewer. In addition, she responds very fast, so I can always count with her help. I consider her as part of my team, as now she plays a very important role. My ability to communicate has improved also, as a result of her comments to my writings. I have already recommended her to my colleagues!" M.D./Ph.D. in Neuroepidemiology, Venezuela, 2007 (contact information on request). "Val provides express and professional service that is worth using. She made my work better, clearer, and truer." Researcher in Physical Oceanography, Thailand, 2007 (contact information on request). "DONE!!! The paperwork is signed and submitted, the after-defense party has been held, and I am feeling very good!!! As far as congratulations go - you deserve MUCH credit. Thank you once again, Val. That mock defense was incredibly helpful, as at least 2 questions were nearly word-for-word! Your assistance with the talk was also of great benefit, as [my advisor] said that it was one of the best defense presentations he had ever witnessed! I can put this project on the 'finally finished' pile. Your help in all this has been pivotal. I will never forget it. I have never—in my life—ever—received such targeted, useful professional advice, and productive feedback. It has been a true pleasure working with you, and learning a new way of writing and putting together a scientific story. 'Thank you' are words that seem so small, as they stand against the great sense of honor and gratitude I hold for you within. Please know, Val, that I am very thankful - for your patient and technically excellent work has helped to bring freedom of mind, that in turn is already opening new and exciting avenues to my life. As you have taught me much and brought much good into my life, I hope to use what I have learned to bring much good into the lives of others." Successful Ph.D. candidate in Ecology, U.S., 2007 (contact information on request). "It was a great experience to get to work with Dr. Val Gerard. I was initially very worried that by hiring an editor online, the individual might not know how to properly compose a scientific paper, but with Val's credentials to support her competency and familiarity with scientific writing, I realized I needn't worry. She was extremely professional and always completed her work by set deadlines. Furthermore, throughout the process it was extremely easy to contact her even despite the large time difference between Dublin Ireland and Oregon USA. She made me feel like I was her only concern in the world." M.S. candidate in neurobiology, Ireland, 2008. "Thanks Val, I could never have ventured to this point without all of your kind words and great editing skills. I really appreciate all of your help from the bottom of my heart." Successful M.S. candidate in Physiology, Australia, 2007. "I finished making the suggested revisions to the first three chapters of my thesis. Thank you very much for your insightful help...I was extremely happy with the document when I reread it after the editing process. I also feel that I can now identify some of my reoccurring flaws in my writing. Thank you again and all the best." Successful Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Engineering, U.S. 2007 "I was extremely reticent to put my dissertation manuscript in the hands of an editor that I didn’t even know. However, Valerie was superb! She helped me to order my dissertation in a clear and concise manuscript that was not only easier to read but also sharper and very well organized. Since the beginning she answered all my questions making the whole process a good experience. She works fast and is very competent. After several revisions from my advisor I was thinking that my manuscript was in good shape, but Valerie’s input make it so much better. I also learned about writing thanks to her advice during the editing. Without a doubt, her dedication saved me from hours of senseless self-editing and frustration." Successful Ph.D. candidate in Oceanography, U.S., 2006 (contact information on request). "Thank you so much for your help on this project. I’m sure other people don’t drag things out this much but I wouldn’t have ever finished this without your help." Professor of Veterinary Medicine, U.S., 2006 "Val was not only a meticulous editor, she was an exemplary instructor who carefully demonstrated the differences between writing for literary and scientific audiences. She provided clear, kind, and encouraging feedback very promptly, and she kept lines of communication open so I knew what to expect and when. If only more professors were like her! Highly recommended" (Contact information on request) "I am very grateful to you Val, I was devastated when my Masters passed internal assessment and then failed the external review. I was thinking of abandoning the Masters but then found the website. With your help I kept going and my tutor has just emailed back saying it has not only passed but been awarded a distinction! I owe this to you over and over, I would have given up but you just kept pushing me on." M.Sc. in Medical Education, UK, 2009 (contact information on request) |
Submission Cut and paste the questions and answers into an e-mail: Alternates You may send your initial submission to all addresses to make sure it's received. Required: A sample is required to receive an estimate Along with a sample, the following information is required. Ignore questions that do not apply to your project (e.g., footnotes). (01) Word count of complete project (under "Tools" in MS Word): (02) Put your 100-word (approx) synopsis/description here (or attach): (03) Describe your genre and topic (e.g., nonfiction/self-help, science fiction, horror, romance, mystery, Western, young adult, children, poetry, Christian, creative nonfiction, literary): (04) Deadline date, if any, for return of complete project. (Please be realistic. Remember that professional editors usually have a project in process.): (05) If you have no immediate deadline, when do you want to start the editing process?: (For instance: within 30 days, within 60 days, within 90 days, 4-12 months) (06) Level of editing desired/expected --
(07) Number of charts/tables/pictures (if any): (08) Writing style/format manual (e.g., Chicago Manual, APA, MLA), if applicable: (09) Number of footnotes/references: (10) Do you have a contract with an agent or publisher?: (11) Do you plan to self-publish?: (12) What is your budget for the entire project? (13) Your name: (14) E-mail addresses: (15) Day/evening phone numbers (required -- in case the response to your e-mail bounces or the editors need clarification regarding the scope of service needed, deadline, etc.): (16) City, State, Country (or time zone): (17) The name(s) of the editor(s)/writer(s) you'd like to contact. (18) Do you want the coordinator to reroute your submission if you requested editors/writers who (a) are not available by your deadline date, (b) do not handle the type of material you submitted, and/or (c) do not perform the service(s) you want? (19) How did you learn about our service?: (20) Attach the first 50 pages of your manuscript (include prologue/preface, proposal, query) Notes: No hidden charges To learn more about the rates charged by professional editors, please see: Editorial Freelancers Association It is a mistaken notion that freelance editors work "on spec" (speculation) with no payment to the editor. It is basically asking the editor to work for free. There's no guarantee that a book will see a profit (or even be published). The editors posted here do not work on spec. Note: Questions about price and turnaround times cannot be given over the phone or via chat.
Contact live support if you do not receive a response within three hours (M-F, 9a-7p central). Expect longer response times if you submitted after U.S. business hours or on weekends. Help2012 at Airmail.net You may also leave voice mail for the network coordinator: 469-789-3030. This number is for verification of e-mail submissions only. Please be as complete as possible in representing your project's scope and size so you will receive the most accurate estimate. Disclaimer: Your agreement, whether oral or written, is with your editor or publishing consultant, not with the editing network as a whole or its coordinator. |
||
Site design by Kori-Kai Yoshida
|
|||