Dr. Jean M. Brainard is a freelance health and science writer/editor and curriculum specialist. She received a master of science degree from the Harvard School of Public Health and master’s and doctoral degrees in anthropology from Binghamton University (SUNY). A former university professor, Dr. Brainard has written or edited hundreds of textbook chapters, other pedagogical materials, and encyclopedia articles on a diversity of subjects, as well as numerous professional publications based on her own research.