LAURA FITZGIBBONS
Walpole
Summary
Technical Communications Specialist with a strong track record of creating user-centered documentation and knowledgebase materials that improve usability and enhance user adoption. Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure content aligns with user needs and system functionality, contributing to streamlined support processes and increased satisfaction.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Technical Writer & Illustrator
Telesto Aerodocs
01.2017 - Current
- Developed user-centered documentation, help content, and knowledge base materials for software, engineering, and scientific domains to enhance user understanding.
- Translated complex systems, workflows, and service processes into structured, easy-to-understand content that supports user adoption and self-service.
- Partnered with clients and subject matter experts to align content with real user needs, system functionality, and service goals.
- Created explainer content, tutorials, and structured communications to enhance usability and streamline support processes.
- Designed and organized content for scalability and reuse, improving consistency across documentation and support environments.
- Ensured accuracy, clarity, and strong editorial standards.
Technical Communications Specialist
Eze Software Group
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Developed and maintained knowledgebase content for a complex trading platform, improving clarity and consistency across user-facing materials.
- Translated product updates, service changes, and workflows into clear release communications, help content, and user guidance.
- Collaborated with engineering, product, and operations teams to ensure content accurately reflected system functionality and user needs.
- Audited help systems and browser-based support content, enhancing usability and reducing user confusion.
- Supported content strategy for new product features, aligning with service delivery and customer experience goals.
- Contributed to scalable documentation practices, enabling efficient updates and consistent communication across teams.
Technical Writer
COMSOL Multiphysics
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Translated highly complex scientific concepts into clear, structured content for users ranging from beginners to expert researchers.
- Interviewed subject matter experts to gather and validate technical information, ensuring accuracy and completeness of documentation.
- Created technical documentation, training materials, and user-focused content for advanced simulation software used by global audiences.
- Developed content to enhance product adoption, streamline onboarding, and promote ongoing user success.
- Applied SEO and content structuring techniques to increase discoverability and accessibility of technical materials.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure documentation aligned with evolving product features and user needs.
- Wrote science articles, quick start guides, training scripts, white papers, style guides, and software help systems.
Catalog Coordinator (Technical/Academic Content)
MIT - Aeronautics & Astronautics / Engineering Systems
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Translated complex academic material into well-structured, accessible documentation for research teams, enhancing understanding and usability.
- Produced, edited, and organized academic and technical content for internal and external audiences, ensuring clarity and consistency.
- Coordinated content workflows, timelines, and cross-departmental communication, streamlining publication processes and meeting operational needs.
- Prepared materials for peer-reviewed submission, maintaining high editorial and formatting standards.
- Managed content updates across platforms including WordPress and internal systems.
- Improved content organization and accessibility for students, faculty, and administrative stakeholders, facilitating better resource navigation.
Editorial Assistant / Assistant Editor (STEM Publishing)
Cengage Learning
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Developed and edited educational content for physics, chemistry, and astronomy publications, enhancing clarity and instructional effectiveness for diverse audiences.
- Collaborated with subject matter experts to refine technical content and align materials with learning objectives.
- Managed content development workflows, timelines, and communication across multiple contributors.
- Wrote and edited instructional and marketing content, facilitating product adoption and increasing user engagement.
- Reviewed and refined complex material, improving readability, accuracy, and consistency for publication standards.
- Supported large-scale publishing projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Assistant Curator & Editor-in-Chief
Bridgewater Observatory
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Developed programs that translated technical astronomy concepts into engaging, user-friendly experiences.
- Created and delivered educational content and communications to engage public and academic audiences.
- Wrote and designed newsletters and informational materials that enhanced accessibility of scientific topics.
- Managed content planning, editing, and publication processes.
- Contributed to outreach efforts that increased community engagement and expanded astronomy programming.
- Maintained observatory equipment and supported operational readiness.
Editor / Editor-in-Chief (Art & Literature)
The Bridge Student Journal
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Led content development, editing, and publication for a student-run journal, ensuring high editorial quality.
- Reviewed and selected content from large submission volumes to ensure high-quality submissions aligned with publication goals.
- Coordinated contributions from writers, designers, and editors to produce cohesive publications that met deadlines and quality standards.
- Established content standards and workflows that streamlined production process and enhanced overall editorial efficiency.
- Designed and structured publication layouts for clarity, consistency, and visual impact.
- Applied detailed line editing to improve clarity, tone, and readability.
Senior Writing Consultant
BSU Academic Achievement Center
01.2006 - 01.2009
- Guided students to develop clear, structured, and effective written communication, enhancing their academic performance across disciplines.
- Provided thorough editing and feedback on grammar, organization, tone, and argument clarity, improving overall writing quality.
- Simplified complex ideas into accessible formats, improving comprehension and communication quality.
- Supported diverse learners, adapting strategies for ESL and graduate-level students to foster inclusivity and engagement.
- Developed instructional approaches tailored to individual learning needs.
- Reinforced best practices in writing, research, and content structure.
Education
B.A. - English (Writing Concentration), Minor in Mathematics
Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MA05-2009
Skills
- Technical writing and documentation
- User-centered content
- Content strategy
- Structured authoring
- Knowledge base management
- User guides
- Technical research
- DITA and XML authoring
- Version control
- Digital content tools
- Authoring tools
- HTML and CSS basics
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Stakeholder engagement
- Editing and proofreading
- Information simplification
- Support documentation management
Websites
Professional Development
- STC Technical Communication Certificate
- General Assembly - HTML, CSS & Design Foundations
- Lifeology SciComm Certificate Program
- Boston University SciCommers - Science Writers Program
Timeline
Freelance Technical Writer & Illustrator
Telesto Aerodocs
01.2017 - Current
Technical Communications Specialist
Eze Software Group
01.2015 - 01.2017
Technical Writer
COMSOL Multiphysics
01.2013 - 01.2015
Catalog Coordinator (Technical/Academic Content)
MIT - Aeronautics & Astronautics / Engineering Systems
01.2011 - 01.2013
Editorial Assistant / Assistant Editor (STEM Publishing)
Cengage Learning
01.2009 - 01.2011
Assistant Curator & Editor-in-Chief
Bridgewater Observatory
01.2008 - 01.2009
Editor / Editor-in-Chief (Art & Literature)
The Bridge Student Journal
01.2007 - 01.2009
Senior Writing Consultant
BSU Academic Achievement Center
01.2006 - 01.2009
B.A. - English (Writing Concentration), Minor in Mathematics
Bridgewater State University