About Genevive Bjorn

Genevive Bjorn's avatar image >How did I become a journalist? 

I learned the skills of a journalist on the job, without formal training or an academic degree in journalism, thanks to patient editors and persistent self-study.

What did I study? 

My formal academic training was in biomedical sciences, not journalism, culminating in a Master’s degree from the University of Hawaii. My thesis work explored molecular markers of drug resistance in P. falciparum and P. vivax, the two forms of malaria that most commonly infect people.

How did I get started as a writer? 

I answered an ad for a science writer at an international astronomical observatory. I worked there for a year, then made the leap to freelance. I have become a regular contributor to Nature Medicine and Nature. My work has also appeared in Science, Eye on NEI, the Haleakala Times, Hana Hou!, and recently, Dog Fancy andThe New York Times. 

I also author two popular blogs. "3-Minute Vacation" covers news and views of Hawaii. TheDailySmell.com explores the sense of smell, how it triggers memory and the connection between olfaction, perception and emotion. Comments on the March 20-25, 2011 Independent Journalists Workshop: "I was impressed by the depth of experience coming into the workshop. But after getting to know everyone, I was even more impressed at how dedicated, hard-working and capable this group is. I have learned almost as much from my classmates as from the instructors. I soaked it all up like dry sponge. Very few of my freelance science journalist colleagues embrace or even understand digital media. Before coming to the workshop, I felt like I was wandering in the wilderness of print. But now I have discovered a tribe of digital entrepreneurs that have become friends and supporters; it's empowering. This has been a career-changing experience. I feel a deep sense of gratitude to the KF for making the experience possible."

Stories

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Writing

Content on this site written by Genevive Bjorn (includes contributory writing):

    • Testimonials

    I was impressed by the depth of experience coming into the workshop. But after getting to know everyone, I was even more impressed at how dedicated, hard-working and capable this group is. I have learned almost as much from my classmates as from the instructors. I soaked it all up like dry sponge. Very few of my freelance science journalist colleagues embrace or even understand digital media. Before coming to the workshop, I felt like I was wandering in the wilderness of print. But now I have discovered a tribe of digital entrepreneurs that have become friends and supporters; it's empowering. This has been a career-changing experience. I feel a deep sense of gratitude to the KF for making the experience possible.