Welcome! My name is Amanda Womac and I’m a freelance science writer in Southern Appalachia. Born and raised in the area, I have a strong connection with the land, respect for the environment, and a scientific curiosity that helps me in my work.

My current role is Director of Communications for the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, which provides me with a perfect opportunity to use my background in creative writing and science journalism. I am in the doctoral program in the UT College of Communication and Information with a focus on environmental journalism.

I received a BA in creative writing from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga in 2003. I studied science journalism at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and received my MS in 2008. While attending graduate school, I worked in the College of Engineering Communications where I had many opportunities to publish science-based articles in the college’s newsletter, annual reports, and other publications. I also interned at the Oak Ridge National Lab’s Spallation Neutron Source where I published my first international story.

Professional affiliations include the Society of Professional Journalists, the Society of Environmental Journalists, and the International Environmental Communication Association. I served as a Director for my local food cooperative, Three Rivers Market.

In addition, I am the president of the UT Science Forum, a weekly lunch lecture series that highlights scientific research and projects at UT, ORNL, and other institutions in East Tennessee. Finally, I am the former editor and publisher of Hellbender Press, East Tennessee’s environmental newspaper, and now serve on the editorial board.

If you are interested in my work and would like to contact me about writing for your publication, please email me.