Gabrielle David, PhD
Specialist in Scientific Communication, Information Structure, and Accessibility
Communicate Your Research With Clarity, Authority, and Impact
Are you looking for support to strengthen your scientific writing?
I help researchers strengthen manuscripts and grant applications through clear, accurate, and audience-aware scientific communication.
Do you need a back-of-book indexer for your scientific text?
I am proficient with software to prepare your index. A well-designed index improves discoverability and helps readers engage more effectively with complex material.
Who I Work With
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Academic researchers.
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Postgraduate students.
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Research institutes.
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Government scientists.
SERVICES
Editing and Writing Services
Editing:
to strengthen clarity and structure to ensure your work meets the highest standards for publication.
Writing support:
for early-career researchers and English as an Additional Language (EAL) authors to find confidence in their writing and establish good writing practices.
Formatting:
to meet specific guidelines, ensuring your manuscript is submission-ready and adheres to all requirements.
Cover letter development:
to effectively communicate your research's significance and engage editors.
Indexing and Information Structure Services
Index writing:
to enhance the usability of your publication, making it easier for readers to navigate and find information.
Information structure review:
to enhance document navigation and usability by reviewing the use of headings, display items, cross-references, glossaries, and appendices.
Terminology consistency review:
to check the use of controlled vocabulary, synonyms, nomenclature, and terminology.
Scientific glossary development:
to create a glossary of field-specific vocabulary to accompany your document.
Rates
I charge an hourly rate consistent with those recommended for professional editors from the Institute of Professional Editors and the Editorial Freelancers Association.
I can estimate the cost based on a test edit of a one page (250 words) sample of your work. Please contact me for further details.
Working Together
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Initial discussion.
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Manuscript review and quotation.
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Collaborative editing and feedback.
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Revision support.
SKILLS
Why Work With Me?
More than language correction: I help researchers communicate complex scientific ideas, while preserving scientific accuracy and author voice.
Unlike generic writing tools, AI-based services, or large editing companies, I provide:
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direct communication with an experienced human editor,
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insightful, actionable feedback grounded in academic conventions,
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support with logic, structure, and flow,
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a collaborative, human-first approach that respects your voice and goals,
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guidance to help you become a stronger and more confident writer,
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confidential handling of unpublished work without use of generative AI,
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and an understanding of the issues faced by many EAL authors.
What People Say
“Gabrielle is a highly conscientious editor with professional communication who consistently returns work of superlative quality.”
Laura Luse
Researcher Services Resource Coordinator, Edanz Inc. (now part of Scribendi)
Freelance scientific editor since 2008, with thousands of editing assignments completed in the chemical sciences.
"Dr David has a comprehensive understanding of scientific writing conventions and her editing work is of excellent quality. Most usefully, she has a strong grounding in science (particularly the molecular sciences) and has a good feel for how to logical lay out an argument with evidence."
Professor of Biochemistry
New Zealand university research group
Ongoing collaboration since 2021 supporting successful major grant applications, including MBIE Smart Ideas and Royal Society Marsden funding.
EXPERTISE
I work across a range of scientific disciplines, with particular expertise in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, forensic science, and traditional medicines.
In addition to refining academic writing for specialist journals, I help researchers communicate complex scientific content to non-specialist readers, including in grant applications, impact statements, and public-facing research communication.
Chemistry
Biochemistry and Microbiology
Environmental Sciences
Traditional Medicines and Natural Products
Forensic Sciences
EXPERIENCE
Experience Highlights
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Freelance scientific editor and writing consultant since 2008.
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Thousands of scientific editing assignments completed.
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Extensive experience supporting EAL researchers.
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Editing support for journal articles, grants, and other scientific communications.
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Scientific background in chemistry, molecular sciences, forensics, and environmental sciences.
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Internship experience at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (Bangkok).
Editing Contributions
I have edited drafts of thousands of academic journal articles. A selection of published articles I have edited can be viewed on Google Scholar. The authors of these articles have selected to include an acknowledgement of my editing.
Personal Publications
Please see my Google Scholar profile.
Professional Memberships
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Institute of Professional Editors.
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Australian and New Zealand Society of Indexers (ANZSI).
EDUCATION
Scientific Training
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PhD, Chemistry, University of Otago.
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BSc(Hons), Chemistry, University of Otago.
My research experience includes stable isotope analysis, forensic science, and inorganic synthesis. I have also completed professional development courses in sustainability at USCD Extension (USA).
Ongoing Professional Development
I am committed to continuous learning and regularly upskill in editing tools, language clarity, and scientific communication. To keep up to date with evolving editorial standards, I have undertaken training in advanced academic editing, plain English editing, AI for editors, and culturally sensitive language practices.
Recent Highlights
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Indexing courses on writing index entries and indexing theory and application.
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Editing workshops on academic editing, plain english editing, tools for productivity, and editing Māori-language in English language text.
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AI for editors training.
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Advanced Word macros training.
About Gabrielle
I have a longstanding interest in science communication and enjoy helping researchers communicate complex ideas with clarity. Over the course of my career, I have worked extensively with researchers from a wide range of scientific and cultural backgrounds and value what I learn from their perspectives.
Outside of editing, I’m neurodivergent, a long-time home-educating parent, an equestrian, and an advocate for sustainability and biodiversity. I value thoughtful communication, lifelong learning, and making science more accessible to both specialist and general audiences.