Donna Lu
Thought Leadership Specialist

Donna Lu

The Atlantic, The Guardian, New Scientist.
Work with Donna Work with a Thought Leadership Specialist

About

Donna Lu is an experienced writer and communications specialist with a strong background in media, scientific, and medical writing. Skilled in implementing major strategic campaigns targeting mass and specialized media, she provides expertise in copywriting, medical and scientific research news features, and digital production. Her work has appeared in various publications including The Atlantic, The Guardian, New Scientist, The Sydney Morning Herald, Good Weekend, The Saturday Paper, VICE, The Outline, The Big Issue, and the Griffith Review and throughout a wide range of topics.

Employment

6 roles
Dec 2017 - Present 8 years 5 months
Writer
Nature Custom Publishing/Springer Nature

Springer Nature publishes journals, databases, and online products and services across the life, physical and applied sciences, and clinical medicine.

  • Provided freelance editorial and writing services for the Nature Research. 
  • Published projects on science, technology, medical topics, and research summaries of complex scientific findings.
Jan 2019 - Present 7 years 4 months
Technology Reporter
New Scientist

New Scientist is a science and technology magazine, and the go-to site for breaking news, exclusive content and breakthroughs.

  • Researched and wrote multiple contents about technology and tech culture.
  • Examined copy for accuracy and checked all factual information, quotes, and statistics.
  • Interviewed news makers and taste makers on these subjects.
  • Contributed to breaking news coverage of major events.
Jan 2015 - Present 11 years 4 months
Journalist & Contributing Writer
Independent

As an independent journalist, Donna has worked with many different publications.

  • Wrote features and criticism for print and online publications, with bylines in The Guardian, The Atlantic, VICE, HuffPost, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Saturday Paper and more.
  • Published in the field of science, technology, and culture.
May 2015 - Aug 2018 3 years 3 months
Science Writer & Communications Manager
The University of Queensland Brain Institute

The Queensland Brain Institute is an Australian neuroscience research institute, located in Brisbane at the St Lucia campus of The University of Queensland. 

  • Implemented major strategic campaigns and researched news coverage targeting mass national and international media.
  • Wrote and edited thought leadership pieces, content for speeches, and national print and online publications. 
  • Managed, mentored, and edited the work of contributors and communications interns.
  • Translated complex scientific and medical research into readily understandable communications for targeted and broad audiences. 
Jun 2016 - Apr 2018 1 year 10 months
Managing Editor
npj Science of Learning Community

npj Science of Learning is an interactive online community that brings together educators, policymakers, neuroscientists, and psychologists to understand learning. 

  • Led the partnership between leading academic publisher Springer Nature (publisher of Nature and related journals) and the Queensland Brain Institute at The University of Queensland.
  • Handled content strategy and oversaw all commissioned content, interviews, and editorial contributions to the site.
  • Solicited, commissioned and edited opinion pieces, analysis and research news.
  • Drove and implemented content distribution strategy across social media, SEO, ‘influencer’ contributors, cross-linking, content partnerships, and media.
  • Grew site audience and registered members.
Oct 2015 - Oct 2016 1 year
Books & Literature Editor
Lip Magazine
  • Commissioned and managed freelance and staff contributors.
  • Contributed feature articles, reviews, and interviews.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with publishers and publicists.
  • Sub-edited and proofread articles and managed social media accounts.
  • Oversaw content through CMS and distribution strategy.
  • Developed SEO strategy and analysis website traffic. 

Education

Mar 2014 - Nov 2014 8 months
Graduate Certificate in Arts, Writing, Editing & Publishing
The University of Queensland
Mar 2010 - Nov 2014 4 years 8 months
Bachelor of Medical Studies, Medicine
The University of Queensland

Portfolio

37 items