Meet the Magnetic team

Claire Piech, Founder and Principal at Magnetic Communications

Claire Piech

Principal

With two decades of experience in PR and communications, Claire Piech understands what works when it comes to science communications so organizations, start-ups and researchers can successfully translate cutting-edge science into engaging stories, connect with key audiences, and get the engagement they seek. She began her career working for the Canadian National Microbiology Laboratory before pivoting into journalism. Her byline has appeared in over 900 newspaper and magazine articles, including The Vancouver Sun, The Province and Post Media Network. In 2019, Claire founded Magnetic Communications, originally called Piech Communications, with a vision to help those advancing novel science share their stories with high-quality PR and communications. Supplementing her experience, Claire holds a B.Sc. in Biology and an M.A. in Professional Communications.

Lauren Erdelyi, Senior Writer at Magnetic Communications

Lauren Erdelyi

Senior Writer

Lauren Erderlyi is a writer with over a decade of experience in creating compelling content across diverse industries. She specializes in translating complex information into engaging narratives that captivate audiences and drive meaningful action. Her career includes roles with leading organizations such as Ipsos, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and Destination Canada, where she has developed everything from in-depth articles to impactful email campaigns. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies from McGill University.

Elyse Hope, Scientific Consultant at Magnetic Communications

Elyse Hope

Scientific Consultant

Elyse Hope is a scientific consultant and experienced program manager who uses her interdisciplinary research background to propel innovation in the life sciences sector. Since 2018, she has worked in research funding with stakeholders across academia, industry, government, and philanthropy, carrying their ideas from the first concept to the final press release. Through roles at Life Sciences British Columbia, the Science Philanthropy Alliance, and Genome British Columbia, she has authored and collaborated on strategic plans, annual reports, blogs, social media campaigns, and landscape reports with national policy reach. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Stanford University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Genome Sciences from the University of Washington. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the British Columbia Cancer Agency.

Ruth Barrow, Graphic Design and Web Development at Magnetic Communications

Ruth Barrow

Graphic and Website Designer

Ruth Barrow is a graphic and website designer with over 18 years of experience working with corporations, public sector, and non-profit organizations. With a background in visual communication and data-informed design, Ruth specializes in transforming complex information into clear, engaging visual stories across print and digital platforms. Known for her thoughtful and collaborative approach, she brings clarity and structure to complex projects, combining strong visual storytelling with strategic, data-informed thinking across graphic and website design.

Kristen Erdelyi Magnetic Communications PR Agency Science

Kristen Erdelyi

Graphic Designer
Kristen Erdelyi is a graphic designer with over a decade of experience in brand identity, campaign design, and visual communications. Her background spans fashion, technology, healthcare, and advertising, working with both emerging businesses and established brands. She spent seven years at a Toronto-based agency, joining as its first in-house designer and later becoming Senior Creative Associate. Kristen holds a BFA in Communication Design from Parsons School of Design, where she studied in New York and Paris.

Interested in joining Magnetic? Email info@magneticcomms.com.