About Dr. Katharine Borges

Neuroscientist, Scientific Editor, and Communication Strategist.

Scientific Lineage & Laboratory Background

Portrait of Katharine Borges smiling outdoors in front of flowering bougainvillea.

I am a neuroscientist with laboratory experience in neurophysiology, behavior, and molecular biology. I earned my Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, and have conducted postdoctoral research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Northwestern University, Janelia Research Campus (Howard Hughes Medical Institute), and UC Berkeley.

My hands-on experimental background includes:

In vivo and in vitro optical imaging (primarily two-photon microscopy)
Tetrode and patch-clamp electrophysiology
Quantitative rodent behavioral assays
Molecular engineering and genetic tool design
Quantitative analysis of imaging and electrophysiology data using Python and Matlab

The Philosophy Behind Synapse to Sentence

Many scientists struggle to convey their ideas clearly, especially when it comes to writing. Yet this skill is essential to succeed in peer review. Throughout my career, colleagues have come to me for feedback on grants, papers, oral presentations, and job applications, as word got around that I have a knack for translating complex ideas into clear prose.

I found myself explaining again and again that it doesn’t matter how brilliant your ideas are if you can’t communicate those ideas in a compelling narrative. Reviewers and audiences don’t want to struggle to understand you. Dense jargon and poorly constructed arguments leave them frustrated and confused. This can make the difference between getting your grant funded, or earning a positive reception for a conference talk.

Yet it can be difficult and time-consuming to do this on your own. That’s where I come in. As both a scientist and a writer, I can help you organize your ideas, clarify your arguments, and present your results in a persuasive manner. This will boost your confidence and free up your time, while increasing your chance of success. Whether you need one-on-one coaching to improve your writing or presentation skills, or you just want another pair of eyes to review your work, I can help you achieve your career goals.

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