Sayaka Blickenderfer, PhD Sayaka Blickenderfer, PhD's LinkedIn Title: Content Editor and Writer Education: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Johns Hopkins University Expertise: Molecular and cellular biology; cancer biology; aquatic fitness; exercise physiology Published author of several cancer research articlesFreelance medical and science editor and writer for 10+ yearsAquatic Exercise Association-certified Fitness Professional Experience Sayaka Blickenderfer is a freelance medical and science editor and writer with more than 10 years of experience. She edits and prepares scientific manuscripts and grant proposals for submission. As a graduate student, Sayaka was a volunteer editor for the graduate student newsletter and edited manuscripts for other graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.Sayaka has extensive knowledge of cancer genetics and biology from her time as a cancer researcher at Johns Hopkins University. Her doctoral thesis focused on how epigenetics turns off certain genes in cancer and how to turn these genes back on. She also has a passion for informal STEM education, coming from being the manager of the human biology exhibit and an educator at the Maryland Science Center. Sayaka expanded her knowledge of anatomy, nutrition, and exercise physiology by becoming a Aquatic Exercise Association certified Fitness Professional and is currently an aquatic exercise instructor. I enjoy promoting knowledge of human health by making sure information is accessible and understandable. Education Sayaka has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and psychology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She received her PhD from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine. Her thesis focused on cancer epigenetics. About Health Health, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is an award-winning online resource for empathetic, trustworthy, and actionable health and wellness information so you can make the best choice for your health. We reach more than 9 million readers a month. We ensure the accuracy of our content by relying on seasoned health journalists, credentialed medical professionals and thorough fact checkers. Learn more about us and our editorial process.