Who am I?

First of all, I'm NOT Geoff Hart the movie producer, Geoffrey Hart the immunologist, or Geoff Hart the TV news anchor. There are many other Geoffs who I am not. Here's who I am (ORCID ID: 0000-0002-2853-1933):

Photo of me in Australia taken by Matt Stevens

(Photograph courtesy of Matthew Stevens.)

Communication expertise

Editing: My primary work (since 1987) has been as a scientific editor, with an emphasis on helping scientists who have English as a second or third language to publish their work in English. Since then, I've helped authors publish more than 6000 monographs and manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals. I literally wrote the book on onscreen editing in Microsoft Word, and have taught these skills to editors around the world, via the Internet or in person (including at the United Nations in New York).
Translation: Since 1990, I have also worked as a French to English technical translator (science, computers, software). In addition, I've managed several large translation projects.
Information design: Since 1987, I've worked as an information designer, with a specialty in data graphics but wide expertise in other areas of this field.
Technical writer: Since 1987, I've developed printed and online documentation (including online help) for computer software and hardware.
Book design and publication: Since 1987, I've worked with graphic designers to create usable and attractive designs for publications ranging from 1-page flyers to 700-page books.
Miscellany: Learn more about my areas of expertise by reading some of my more than 400 published articles.

Education

My educational background is in forestry and forest biology (plant physiology, ecology, genetics, microbiology), which I studied at both the undergraduate (Bachelor's) and graduate (Master's) levels at the University of Toronto.

Work experience

IBM, Toronto (Ontario)

I was hired under short-term contract (6 months) as a technical writer.

My work: I helped review and revise the documentation for a system migration utility.

Canadian Forest Service, Sault Ste. Marie (Ontario)

I was employed for 7 years as a technical and scientific editor.

My work: editing journal manuscripts and technical reports produced by scientists performing research in forest biology, plant physiology, reforestation, entomology, ecosystem function, ecosystem-level hydrology, plant nutrition, economics, and plant pathology.

Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC), Pointe-Claire (Quebec):

I was employed for 10 years in a wide range of communications roles.

My work: technical editing, technical writing, marketing writing, French translation, Web design, design of slide presentations and multimedia software (Powerpoint, Flash), creation of online help systems for decision-support software running under Microsoft Windows. FERIC's research focuses on operational forestry research (applied science) in harvesting, reforestation (silviculture), and transportation and roads.

Freelance work

I've been performing occasional freelance work for clients since the late 1980s; in 2004, I chose to become a full-time independent consultant.

My work: My current clients include FERIC (see above), the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Egawa Language and Scientific Services (for whom I work as a scientific editor, helping Japanese and Chinese authors publish their work in peer-reviewed journals).

Expertise

Operating systems: Microsoft Windows, Apple Macintosh; some Unix
Primary software skills: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Powerpoint, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Adobe PageMaker, RoboHelp; competent in many other programs.
Scientific and technical expertise: computers and software, ecophysiology, plant physiology, terrestrial ecology (plants and animals), entomology, plant pathology, forest biology, forestry operations, forestry machinery, genetics, modeling, experimental design; competencies in many other scientific fields.
Technical communication expertise: editing, technical writing, information design, applied cognitive psychology, design of online help systems, Web design; extensive knowledge of graphics and visual media.

Professional activities and awards

Named "Fellow", STC (Society for Technical Communication)": February 2006
Named "Associate Fellow, STC (Society for Technical Communication)": February 2005
Awarded "Distinguished SIG service award, STC": February 2005
Manager, "writing and editing" stem, STC annual conference (Seattle, 2005): until May 2005
President, STC Montreal, 2003–2004; Vice-President, 2002–2003.
Delegate, IEEE professional delegation to China ("professional communication", led by George Hayhoe): October 2002.
Member, Editorial Advisory Board, Technical Communication: 2001–present.
Manager, newsletter editor (the Exchange), and e-mail discussion group moderator, STC Scientific Communication SIG: 2000–present.
Member, STC Press Kit development committee (under Jeff Staples): 2000–2001.
Member, STC Montreal Public Relations Committee (under Manuel Gordon): 1998–1999.

Résumé

My résumé is only available on paper to reduce the risk of "identity theft". For more information about me, please contact me using the information provided on my contact Web page.