Valerie M. Evans | Writer, Researcher & Science Communications Leader
Previously published as Valerie M. Russo | Founder of Literanista, established 2006
My writing has followed the same curiosity for more than two decades: how knowledge is created, communicated, preserved, and sometimes distorted.
My interests span anthropology, science, technology, history, literature, environmental stewardship, and public policy.
I am particularly drawn to subjects that deserve greater public understanding, from Indigenous Caribbean history and the ethics of emerging technologies to scientific research and the changing environments in which we live.
I began publishing Literanista in 2006 as an independent platform for literature, culture, and ideas. Over the years, my work has expanded across digital publishing, corporate communications, research commentary, and creative writing.
This page brings together selected publications, essays, scholarly references, and editorial contributions published under Valerie M. Evans and Valerie M. Russo.
Featured Writing & Essays
Resilience Is Too Often a Word Used for People the System Has Exhausted
An examination of Puerto Rico’s colonial history, environmental vulnerability, infrastructure, and the political consequences of describing communities as resilient without confronting the conditions they are required to endure.
Read Resilience essay →What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About Death, Technology, and Social Change
An interdisciplinary essay examining Taíno traditions, cultural memory, death rituals, emerging technologies, and the ethics of digital remembrance.
Read Ancient Cultures essay →Science, Research & Public Policy
Research-driven writing exploring scientific findings, technological change, public policy, and the challenges of making complex information accessible.
The Invisible Illness Insider: Research Roundup, July–August 2026
A research-focused examination of developments in fibromyalgia genetics, chronic pain, neuroscience, clinical trials, and emerging therapeutic approaches.
The article interprets peer-reviewed studies, evaluates limitations, and provides readers with references to the underlying research.
Read the research roundup →Risk Management or Communications?
An examination of the role of communications in highly regulated scientific and technical industries, drawing on professional experience across specialty chemicals, life sciences, and complex corporate environments.
Explore Valerie’s LinkedIn articles →The Most Overused Executive Phrases on LinkedIn Making Experts Sound Interchangeable
Commentary on executive visibility, professional credibility, and the language organizations use to communicate expertise and leadership.
Explore professional commentary →Books & Literary Publications
Regrets Only: Contemporary Poets on the Theme of Regret
Publisher: Little Pear Press
Editor: Martha Manno
Published poetry contribution:
“The Rich Historian” by Valerie Russo
An anthology of contemporary poetry examining regret, memory, and the ways people interpret their lives and choices.
The anthology was distributed through the Museum of Modern Art’s museum store.
This publication is credited under my former name, Valerie Russo.
Academic Citations & Research References
Selected academic publications and research discussions that reference Literanista or acknowledge its contributions.
Arabic Performance Poetry: A New Mode of Resistance
Author: Muhammad Agami Hassan Muhammad
Arab Studies Quarterly, Volume 39, Issue 2, pages 815–841.
This peer-reviewed article examining performance poetry and cultural resistance includes a bibliographic citation to Literanista.
The paper references an April 2010 Literanista post concerning Nuyorican performance poetry, demonstrating the use of the site’s literary material within an academic research context.
Bibliographic reference: No. 13
Tourism and the Objectification of the Native
Sociologist Lisa Wade credited Literanista for contributing an example to a discussion of tourism advertising, cultural representation, and the objectification of Dominican identity.
This was a credited research contribution, rather than an independently authored article.
Journalism, Editorial Work & Media Contributions
Industry Publishing & Editorial Work
Editorial work across professional publications covering market research, innovation, emerging technology, digital marketing, and consumer behavior.
Selected archived articles:
Track This: Indoor Positioning/Mapping Meets Real-Time Marketing in 2014
An exploration of location technology, consumer data, digital engagement, and real-time marketing.
Read archived real-time marketing article
Live from Insights2Innovate: Execution in Unexplored Territory
Conference coverage examining innovation strategy and business transformation.
Read archived innovation coverage
These archived articles document work associated with the Informa editorial program. Original individual author credits are still being reconciled with the site’s migrated records.
Previously Published Writing
My earlier writing and publishing experience includes credits associated with:
- The New York Resident
- PapierDoll
- Web Worker Daily
- AOL Money and related financial publishing properties
Additional archived bylines are being located and documented.
Literary Conversations
Blogger/Author Pairing: Justin Torres with Valerie Russo
A documented literary event featuring a conversation with novelist Justin Torres about his debut novel, We the Animals.
About Valerie M. Evans
Valerie M. Evans is a writer, researcher, and strategic communications leader with more than 20 years of experience in publishing, media, science communications, and digital strategy.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Hunter College and a Master of Arts in Media, Ethics and Social Change from the University of Sussex .
Her professional career has included communications and editorial work with organizations such as International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), Thomson Reuters, Hachette Book Group, Informa, and AOL.
Based in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, she serves as Membership Chair on the State Board of the South Carolina Native Plant Society.
Her current research and writing interests include coastal conservation, native ecosystems, scientific literacy, Indigenous Caribbean history, cultural memory, emerging technologies, media ethics, and the relationship between research and public decision-making.
She founded Literanista in 2006 and continues to publish independent writing and commentary at valeriemevans.com .
Editorial Independence
All opinions expressed in her independent writing are her own and do not represent the official positions of the South Carolina Native Plant Society, current or former employers, or other affiliated organizations.
Editorial Inquiries & Collaborations
I welcome inquiries about reported features, essays, opinion commentary, research-based writing, science communications, literary projects, interviews, and speaking opportunities.
