1. …continued…
SHARON B. SETTLAGE, PHD., M.S.
Raleigh, NC
sharonsettlage@gmail.com ▪ 919.417.0997
http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sharon_Settlage
SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
~ Summary of Qualifications ~
 Highly accomplished scientific communications specialist and award winning writer with a robust
educational foundation and extensive experience in academia, research, science and
communications.
 Deep knowledge of crop, botany and marine science, as well as regulatory compliance, writing and
editing.
 Highly focused and results oriented in supporting complex, deadline-driven projects.
 Published author and inventor; complete list of publications available upon request.
 Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe InDesign and WordPress.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
CRITICAL PATH SERVICES, LLC. — Research Triangle Park, 68 TW Alexander Dr.
Scientific Communicator / Scientist, 2013 to Present
Provide leadership, strategic direction and oversight to biotechnology clients of large contract research
organization. Currently serving at BASF as Scientist and Study Director regarding research of newly
developed crops. Ensure all aspects of studies are in compliance with global regulatory standards and
regulations.
Key Contributions:
 Write regulatory protocols and reports for Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) studies regarding crop
science.
 Oversee all scientific studies to ensure regulatory requirements are adhered to.
 Facilitate the positive outcome of studies by conducting technicalevaluations of research
activities.
 Ensure the successfuldelivery of all study phases in accordance with predetermined scope,
budget, schedule and client expectations.
 At Bayer Crop Science, collaborated with senior scientists to produce over 60 photographically
illustrated work directives, which streamlined operations and increased efficiency.
FREELANCE CONTRACTOR — Raleigh, NC
Writer / Editor, 2012 to Present
Furnish writing and editing services to a variety of clients in the academic/scientific fields.
Key Contributions:
 Proofread and edit theses and academic publications encompassing a wide range of topics.
 Subject matter expert and author; published articles featured in publications such as Carolina
Gardener and Triangle Gardener.
 Creator of popular blog botanyspeaking.wordpress.com; provide fresh, informative content
relevant to a wide audience.

2. SHARON B. SETTLAGE  Page 2
NORTH CAROLINA SEA GRANT — Raleigh, North Carolina
Assistant Editor, 2011 to 2013
Served as editor and writer for Coastwatch magazine. Developed collateral materials and prepared
governmental reports documenting federally funded research accomplishments.
Key Contributions:
 Award winning writer for Coastwatch magazine featuring findings of Sea Grant funded research.
 Earned honors from the N.C. Association of Government Information Officers.
 Aligned with the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries to create brochures for the purpose of providing
education to consumers and restaurants regarding oyster shell recycling efforts.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY — Raleigh, NC 1996 to 2007
Instructor, 2010 to 2011
Designed the curriculum and instructed English 333 in a collaborative and interactive learning
environment. Wrote and directed course syllabus and lesson plans.
Key Contributions:
 Utilized a combination of traditional lecture and problem based learning through academic,
magazine articles and grant proposals.
 Maximized the learning processes through the use of appropriate technology and the integration of
key concepts.
Senior Research Scientist, 2001 to 2007
Served as a cooperative scientist supporting the research needs of a multi-institutional study funded by
the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Key Contributions:
 Spearheaded and executed innovative techniques to effectively study DNA replication in tissue -
cultured plant cells.
** *** **
Additional experience as Post-Doctoral Researcher (1996 to 1999) for North Carolina State University.
EDUCATION
Ph.D., Crop Science (Plant Physiology) — NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY, Raleigh, NC
Master of Science, Technical Communication — NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY, Raleigh, NC
Master of Science, Botany — NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY, Raleigh, NC
HONORS & AWARDS
Award, 2014 Walter B. Jones Memorial/NOAA Excellence Award for Coastal & Marine Graduate Study
Award, 2011 North Carolina Informational Officers Award for Feature Writing
Fellowship, 1996 National Institute of Health Fellowship