About
Michelle McRae, PhD, ELS

As a freelance medical and scientific editor, I refine and enhance writing like yours to create clear messages that resonate with your audience.

My preclinical biomedical research background and certification as an Editor in the Life Sciences ensure I understand the technical language and conventions of writing and editing in the biomedical and life sciences.

I’m meticulous, curious, and reliable, and I’m ready to help you polish your work with precision and care!

Mid-40s woman with wavy red-brown hair and glasses smiling, wearing a teal t-shirt with white spots.
“Michelle brings a meticulous eye, catching not only grammar and style issues but also ensuring clarity and coherence, which is critical in scientific writing. Her work has consistently elevated the readability and impact of complex research content, making it accessible to both specialized and broader audiences.”
— Elaine Seery, Science Editor and Translator

Qualifications

  • Board-certified Editor in the Life Sciences

  • American Medical Writers Association Certificate in Medical Editing

  • PhD in cancer gene therapy

  • Postdoc in neurodegenerative disease gene therapy

Former employers

  • University of California, San Francisco

  • Cambridge University, United Kingdom

  • Wellcome Sanger Institute, United Kingdom

  • University of Auckland, New Zealand

  • University of Otago, New Zealand

Volunteering

  • Academic Editing Chapter, Editorial Freelancers Association/Editors Canada

  • Northern California Chapter Board of Directors, American Medical Writers Association

Memberships

  • Editorial Freelancers Association

  • American Medical Writers Association

  • Board of Editors in the Life Sciences

  • Scientific Editors Network