Open to opportunities

Don Sinclair

@donsinclair

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Science communicator and engineer blending technical rigor with engaging storytelling.

New Zealand

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What I'm looking for

I seek roles combining science communication and technical expertise where I can craft engaging narratives, teach or mentor, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and continue developing practical design and public engagement skills.

I am a science communicator and engineer who turns complex technical subjects into accessible, engaging narratives for public audiences. With postgraduate training in science communication and doctoral-level research experience in chemical and process engineering, I combine precision in data and experimental design with creativity in writing and public engagement.

My professional experience spans science communication internships, laboratory teaching, and applied engineering in orthopaedic device design, where I collaborated with clinicians, attended surgical procedures, and delivered practical design solutions. I excel at interviewing researchers, adapting scripts, leading tutorials, and presenting to diverse groups.

I bring strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and cultural curiosity—fueled by an enthusiasm for food, culture, and history—to every project. I aim to inform, entertain, and inspire audiences while delivering reliable, professionally executed work under pressure.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Orthopaedic Design Engineer

Ossis

Jan 2022 - Jan 2025 (3 years)

Collaborated with surgeons and healthcare teams to design custom orthopaedic implants, supported device implementation in surgical procedures, and maintained high attention to detail and professionalism in clinical settings.

CAD Clinical Support Attention To Detail

Science Communication Intern

Genetics Otago

Jan 2020 - Dec 2021 (1 year 11 months)

Interviewed researchers and wrote engaging public-facing articles translating complex genetics research into accessible narratives, improving outreach and public understanding.

Science Communication Interviewing Technical Writing Storytelling Public Engagement Editing

Laboratory Demonstrator

University of Canterbury

Jan 2018 - Dec 2019 (1 year 11 months)

Led tutorials and lab sessions for up to 30 students, adapted technical content for diverse learners, and developed public speaking and group facilitation skills.

Lab Instruction Tutoring Experimental Design Public Speaking Time Management Technical Communication

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Otago

Postgraduate Certificate, Science Communication

2020 - 2021

Grade: GPA: 7.7 (on a 9-point scale)

Postgraduate Certificate in Science Communication with endorsement in creative non-fiction writing, completed 2020–2021.

University of Canterbury

PhD Candidate, Chemical and Process Engineering

2018 - 2019

PhD candidate in Chemical and Process Engineering who undertook doctoral-level research and developed skills in experimental design, data analysis, and technical writing.

University of Canterbury

Bachelor of Chemical and Process Engineering (Honours), Chemical and Process Engineering

2014 - 2017

Bachelor of Chemical and Process Engineering (Honours) with a bioprocessing minor focusing on pharmaceutical and biological applications; honours projects on sustainable design and chromatography media development.