GILLIAN D'SOUZA

HEALTHCARE, SCIENCE & CREATIVE WRITER

About me

I am an experienced health and science writer with a demonstrated history of researching and writing across industries and disciplines, from PR and medical comms writing, to heavy technical writing and editing in medical journals, global health information websites and lifestyle portals for health communication to the layman. Especially skilled in blog writing, op-eds, social media content and global stakeholder communication.

Strong health background with a Masters of Science (M.Sc.) in Food Microbiology and a Double Majors Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry. Winner of Dr. K. U. Naram Award for topping the University in Masters of Science (M.Sc) course in 2015. Presented with two gold medals and a certificate by the State Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar.

Always up and eager for opportunities to combine my passion for science with my love for reading and writing. When I’m not geeking out over scientific communication, you’ll find me writing prose and poems, playing badminton, and/or spending time with my canine and feline friends.

My Journey

Nov 2021 - Present
Media & Communications Officer
European Geosciences Union
In this role, I oversee the Union’s blog writing, press interactions and media communication. As media and communications officer, I liaise between scientists and journalists to make EGU's science accessible to audiences across Europe
May 2021 - Present
Course Curator and Lead Coach
Growhance

Worked closely with the founders on designing, launching and teaching the Creative and Professional Writing course for Growhance, an online learning startup. 

Jan 2021 - Present
Freelance Health Writer
Asian Scientist Magazine

Freelance health and science writer at Asian Scientist Magazine (Singapore), where I write on technical subjects including immunology, genetics, biochemistry. I tailor the tone and language of writing to suit diverse readers and audiences.

Oct 2019 - Oct 2021
Assistant Manager, Medical and Internal Communications
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals

Spearheading Internal and Medical Communications for Glenmark (India and Global), which involves working closely with several brand and strategy teams for communications. Closely involved in driving consistent messaging and comms for Glenmark's Life Science vertical. I also work closely with corporate strategy, branding and investor relations teams.

May 2018 - Present
Freelance Science Writer
Medical News Today

Freelance health and lifestyle writer for leading global medical news and health information website Medical News Today, otherwise known as MNT (based in the U.S.)

Jul 2015 - Sep 2019
Senior Healthcare Account Executive
Edelman

Core member of the health content team, involved in science writing, research and content development for leading global and Indian pharmaceutical and healthcare clients like the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and Pfizer, among others.  Also included live posting of events on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Jan 2018 - May 2018
Senior Writer and Peer Reviewer
News Medical

Freelance health and lifestyle writer for leading global medical news and health information website News Medical (based in Australia)

Mar 2017
Guest Speaker
St. Xavier's College

Invited as a guest speaker to share learnings, insights and opportunities of science writing and medical communication in India. The session was attended by the Microbiology HOD, associate professors, and students pursuing their BSc and MSc courses.

Mar 2015 - Jun 2015
Associate Scientific Writer and Medical Editor
Journal of Obesity and Metabolic Research

In charge of studying and accrediting academic research papers, medical case reports, manuscripts and periodicals for accuracy in scientific content and English grammar. Also responsible for running plagiarism checks on short listed manuscripts, before finalising articles for print publication.

Academia
2015
Higher Certificate Course, Scientific Writing and Communication
Medical Research Center - Kasturba Health Society

Short term course + traineeship in scientific writing and medical communications, followed by practical learning and application at the Journal of Obesity and Metabolic Research (JOMR).

2013 - 2015
Masters in Science, Food Microbiology and Biochemistry
S.N.D.T. University

Two years Masters in Food Science and Nutrition, where I majored in Food Microbiology and Infections. Other key subjects included biochemistry, food science, biostatistics, epidemiology, maternal and child healthcare, and research methodology. My final year comprised an individual lab research project where I topped my class and university for my thesis.

2010 - 2013
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - Microbiology and Biochemistry
St. Xavier's College

Graduated with a Bachelor in Science degree, majoring in Microbiology and Biochemistry. Got an A+ for social involvement project (SIP) which consisted of me teaching visually challenged students. Editor-in-chief of "The Micronicle", the 80th anniversary issue of the Microbiology magazine.Participated in the arts&drama festival of St.Xaviers called "Ithaca", in the production team. Was part of the hospitality dept (Malhar 2011) and technicals&lighting dept (Malhar 2012).