Jake Parks

Science Writer, UW-Madison Department of Astronomy

United States of America

I am a science writer currently working with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Astronomy. In addition to writing and editing the department's biannual newsletter, The Washburn Observer, I also write online news content and take departmental photographs.

I earned a bachelor's degree in astronomy and physics with a minor in professional writing from The Ohio State University in December, 2011. I also earned a master's degree in journalism focusing on science, technology, and healthcare journalism from UW-Madison in May, 2016.

I have a knack for communicating complex scientific material clearly and concisely, and I also possess a wide-range of multimedia skills, which include photography, audiography, and videography.

Portfolio
UW-Madison, Department of Astronomy website
09/28/2016
Planets: An HD Odyssey

Planets: An HD Odyssey brings the solar system to the symphony.

Scientific Outreach and Communications

UW-Madison, Department of Astronomy
06/01/2016
Washburn Observer - Summer 2016

The Washburn Observer is the biannual newsletter for the UW Department of Astronomy. For each issue, nearly 1,000 copies are mailed to alumni, students, parents, and astronomy enthusiasts around the globe. This issue of the Washburn Observer was intended to expose current and perspective students to the myriad of career paths available to astronomy students.

UW-Madison, Department of Astronomy
12/22/2015
Washburn Observer - Winter 2015

The Washburn Observer is the biannual newsletter for the UW-Madison Department of Astronomy. For each issue, nearly 1,000 copies are mailed to alumni, students, parents, and astronomy enthusiasts around the globe. This issue of the Washburn Observer was aimed at increasing private donations to the astronomy department, which has occurred since.

The Ohio State University, Department of Astronomy
07/29/2011
Coffee Makes the Collaboration Go Further

In the astronomy department at OSU, the day doesn't get into full-swing until everyone gets their daily dose of caffeine and conversation.

Science Journalism

UW-Madison, Department of Astronomy
05/27/2016
SAMS Helps SALT See

The Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) recently received an upgrade which is expected to boost both telescope efficiency and data quality.

Healthcare Journalism

Technology Journalism

Creatavist eBook
05/05/2015
Me, My Cell, and I

The evolution of technology and its evolving role in our lives.

Graduate paper
05/08/2015
Reactor Under Our Noses

Though few people may know it, beneath the bustling UW-Madison campus resides an active nuclear reactor.