Services Provided by Michael E. Dorcas, Ph.D.
Scientific Writing, Research & Consulting
Tantilla Consulting helps researchers, organizations, and businesses evaluate evidence, develop ideas, and communicate complex information clearly. Michael E. Dorcas, Ph.D. brings more than 30 years of experience as a scientist, author, educator, editor, and reviewer to projects ranging from individual manuscripts to broader research and funding strategies.
Former Endowed Professor of Biology | 30+ Years Academic Experience | 150+ Scholarly Publications | $2.2M+ Funded Research
Scientific and Technical Writing & Editing
Develop clear, well-supported manuscripts, reports, proposals, and other substantive content. Assistance can begin with an outline or an existing draft, with attention to the reasoning, organization, accuracy, and audience for the work.
- Manuscript and technical report development
- Substantive editing, structural revision, and language clarity
- Literature integration and citation verification
- Journal submission preparation and responses to reviewers
- Thesis and dissertation editing
Research & Evidence Evaluation
Find, assess, and synthesize information to answer questions and support informed decisions. Services draw on experience in research design, scientific interpretation, and critical evaluation of published evidence.
- Literature reviews and focused evidence searches
- Source verification and assessment of scientific claims
- Research summaries, briefing documents, and annotated references
- Research question refinement and study design consultation
- Interpretation of findings, limitations, and broader implications
Grant & Funding Strategy
Identify suitable funding opportunities and develop a practical approach to pursuing support. Assistance can include assessing project readiness, building a funding pipeline, planning proposals, and strengthening narratives for specific funders.
- Funding opportunity research and fit assessment
- Funding priorities, timelines, and proposal planning
- Alignment of objectives, methods, and expected outcomes
- Proposal development, editing, and reviewer-focused revision
- Research program planning and longer-term funding strategy
This work is informed by experience securing more than $2.2 million in research funding and reviewing proposals for major funding agencies.
Approach & Philosophy
Each project begins with a clear understanding of its purpose, audience, and intended outcome. We agree on the scope, deliverables, and timeline before work begins.
The emphasis is on careful evaluation, sound reasoning, and clear communication. Recommendations account for the strength and limitations of the evidence, and revisions preserve the author’s meaning and voice.
Colored pencil drawing by Michael E. Dorcas · Tantilla Art
Science Communication & Review
Make complex subjects understandable while preserving scientific accuracy and appropriate nuance. Support is available for specialist and broader audiences, with particular expertise in biology, ecology, conservation, herpetology, and physiology.
- Scientific review and fact-checking
- Articles, educational materials, and explanatory content
- Translation of technical findings into accessible language
- Curriculum and instructional content development
- Subject-matter consultation for scientific and interdisciplinary projects
Work With Me
Have a manuscript, research question, funding need, or other project in mind? Share a brief description, the help you need, and any relevant deadlines. We can determine an appropriate scope and approach.
Projects can be arranged directly or through the professional platforms and expert networks listed below.
Project-Based Services:
- Upwork — scientific editing, writing, and consulting
- Fiverr — focused academic and scientific services
- Contra — independent consulting and professional work
Expert & Advisory Networks:
- Kolabtree — specialized scientific consulting
- GLG (Gerson Lehrman Group) — expert advisory and consultation network