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Verdant Word specializes in communicating scientific ideas to a popular audience. We believe information about the natural world should be accurate and accessible. We are committed to contributing our expert knowledge and skill to construct approachable, exciting and factual scientific pieces for all readers. In addition to science writing, we also help companies of all sizes share their stories through thoroughly reported articles and Web copy targeted for print or digital media. Our experience ranges from working with agricultural publications to writing human-interest profiles, as well as shelter and lifestyle articles.

Meet our senior editors

Eleanor Spicer Rice // Senior Science Editor & Founder

Eleanor Spicer Rice

Eleanor Spicer Rice studied the intricate and fascinating interactions between ant species at NC State University, where she earned her Ph.D. in entomology. Today, through her writing, she shares the joy and wonder she finds in the natural world with others. She believes that when people notice the natural world, they can’t help but fall in love with it, and if they fall in love with it, they will want to take care of it. To this end, Eleanor has given presentations on everything from her award-winning ant research to the secret lives of the organisms living in our belly buttons to audiences across the United States, as well as in numerous radio and television programs. In addition to writing about nature for a number of magazines and online outlets, including Our State Magazine, American Scientist, and USAA Magazine, she has written seven books, most recently Ants: Workers of the World (Abrams). She has also written a free series of public science activity books for middle schoolers, STEAM Squad.

Robin Sutton Anders // Creative Director & Founder

With more than two decades of experience in the publishing industry, Robin understands the importance of listening to a client’s needs and getting to know their audiences. She loves the collaboration process and believes there’s always an opportunity to strengthen communications through targeted writing and editing. After graduating with an English degree from NC State University, Robin spent six years working with some of Time Inc.’s most esteemed pubs, including Southern Living, Coastal Living, and Cottage Living. She obtained an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham before returning to her home state of North Carolina, where she worked as an account manager for Pace Communications. Now, as co-founder and managing editor of Verdant Word, Robin produces and writes lifestyle articles, works with clients to create web content, and assists organizations with processes ranging from editorial planning to fact-checking to content editing.

Meet our writers

Verdant Word matches its writers’ talents to clients’ unique project needs to ensure clarity, accuracy and style.

Madison Duke // Director of Marketing & Acquisitions

Madison Duke
Madison brings her fresh perspective and experience as a marketing and style manager in the fashion industry to craft content aimed at enhancing brand appeal for corporations. She has a BS in Fashion and Textile Management with a concentration in brand management and marketing from North Carolina State University.

Julia Ellis // Director of Fact Checking

Julia Ellis’s work history ranges from juvenile fish and shark research in the Chesapeake Bay region to managing conservation projects for a non-profit. Ellis has edited science textbook chapters and manuscripts, and written about subjects ranging from shark diet to tobacco farming. Her work as a fact checker has given her the opportunity to talk to people across North Carolina, from brewers and farmers to artists and politicians. Ellis has a master’s degree in marine science from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and a bachelor’s degree from the College of William & Mary.

Ann Harvey // Designer

Ann Harvey is an award-winning designer with more than 30 years of experience producing print + digital solutions for thriving clients. Favorite job perks: working with creative writers, photographers and illustrators. Favorite project: Becoming Durham book. Current role: Art Director for Virginia Living magazine.

Lara Ivanitch // Writer

Lara Ivanitch

Writing gives Lara Ivanitch the perfect excuse to learn about unfamiliar subjects, explore new places and meet interesting people. Since earning a degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, she has written about varied topics such as seasonal affective disorder, vegetable farming, seaside vacations, and tobacco pests. Although primarily a non-fiction writer, she has enjoyed crafting poetry and short selections for standardized practice tests. When she’s away from her laptop, Ivanitch watches dragonflies and tends her tiny vegetable garden. She dreams of one day picking a juicy, ripe Cherokee purple before the resident tomato-loving squirrel makes off with it.

Kirsten Keleher // Fact Checker & Researcher

Kirsten Keleher is a student of conservation with a passion for journalism. As a Verdant Word fact checker, she’s had the opportunity to talk to people across the state about a variety of subjects often new to her, and she loves learning from each of them. She has a passion for sharing science, and her involvement in citizen science through Recluse or Not and as a literary research associate has allowed her to do that.

Laura Lee // Writer

Laura Lee is a Richmond, Virginia-based freelance writer, editor, and content creator. With more than 20 years of experience, Laura has served in various communications roles, including account executive at one of the Southeast’s largest PR firms, marketing director for Visit Pensacola, columnist for Orlando magazine, and editor of Where and Pro Landscaper magazines.

Alice Manning Touchette // Writer & Web Editor

Alice Manning Touchette has two decades of experience making content exciting and accessible to myriad audiences, first for the National Geographic Society and then in higher education. Before founding Manning Words, she worked in communications and marketing, honing her skills in strategic communication, Web content, integrated marketing and managing personalities. Little-known fact about Alice: she took a time out from earning her degree in English at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill to hike 1,100 miles of the Appalachian Trail. At Verdant Word, Alice brings her love for people and their stories to writing projects for Our State Magazine, among other tourism publications.

Chris Trlica // Writer

Chris Trlica

Chris Trlica combines his passions for science and literature to craft pieces on a variety of topics, from agroeconomy to cool applications for drones. After graduating from NC State, Chris continues his passion for science through his work in university research labs. His extensive scientific background and enthusiasm for the natural world lend a unique, expert perspective to his scientific writing. When he’s not helping develop revolutionary new materials or communicate science, Chris can be found working in his impressive garden or fostering his miniature orchid collection.