Meet the Magnetic team

Claire Piech

Claire Piech

Principal

With almost two decades of experience in PR and content creation, Claire 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.

Claire 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 SunThe Province and Post Media Network. In 2010 Claire transitioned into communications and served in several senior-level positions, including at the Resort Municipality of Whistler, one of highest-profile municipalities in British Columbia. 

Claire founded Magnetic Communications — originally called Piech Communications — in 2019 with a vision to help those advancing novel science share their stories with high-quality PR and content. Supplementing her experience, Claire holds a B.Sc. in Biology and an M.A. in Professional Communications.

Lauren Erdelyi

Lauren Erdelyi

Senior Writer

Lauren 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.

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Elyse Hope

Scientific Consultant
Elyse 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.
Lindsey Ataya

Lindsey Ataya

Graphic Designer

Lindsey is a highly versatile and detail-oriented graphic designer with 20 years of experience working for media outlets, non-profits and for-profit organizations. With a background in marketing, Lindsey specializes in brand development and visual communication for print and digital media. Her extensive skillset covers branding and logo design, layout and publication design, document styling, editorial design, editorial illustration and advertising development and design.

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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.