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Researching and Writing

The Writing Lab

A professional development group for researchers and scientists
to hone their scientific communication skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does it work?

We will meet monthly during our pilot period starting in January of 2025. All participants will have the opportunity to submit one writing sample per month for feedback. To receive feedback, you must also contribute to feedback either 1:1, or a group setting. 

What about writing for work?

We do not endorse sharing proprietary information or breaking NDAs in any way. Any work you share is at your own discretion. However, we do have a few redacting techniques that may help you get feedback on your writing itself without jeopardizing the sensitive content you're writing about. 

What type of work is in scope?

Anything you may want an extra set of eyeballs on. See above for examples, but feel free to think outside the box too.

Does it cost money?

No. We want something far more valuable than that: your time, attention, and engagement. If chosen to participate, you'll get out of this group what you put into it. 

Can I invite friends?

Anyone can fill out the introductory survey and request to be added to the wait list. Participation the group will be based on planning capacity and goodness of fit.

What does a review request look like?

For each project we'll ask for the following context: 

  • job role

  • target audience 

  • type of work product 

  • timeline + urgency

  • ideal outcomes 

​

Examples:

  • I am a UX Researcher preparing a report deck for our development team regarding system requirements. I want to make sure I use information architecture terminology correctly so that my overarching point is not lost. 

  • I am a digital designer preparing a research proposal for my UX Research team. I want to make sure my methodology is sound and will address my research questions. 

  • I am a former academic and want to translate my work and experience into a job talk for a role in tech. I need to convey to an educated lay audience the cognitive mechanism of signal processing and its implications on the end user's experience.

  • I am a data scientist and I am preparing an internal report release regarding an API I’ve been working on for my senior leadership team. I want to make sure I translate my work into language that will convey how important this project will be to projected earnings for QX 202X.

  • I don't have any specific needs but want to get better about writing habitually or getting over writer's block.

Answer a few brief questions about your specific needs, and provide contact information. If we think this is a good fit, we'll reach out with next steps. 

  • Linkedin

© 2025 Ariel Ragan

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