Kathiann Kowalski loves talking with scientists and engineers about their work and why it matters. And she loves getting into the field — whether that’s at a lab, in a research forest, at a drilling site or on a research boat. She has written more than 700 articles, plus 25 books for young people. “There’s always something new happening — and something new to learn,” she says.
Kathi graduated from Hofstra University in New York and got her law degree from Harvard Law School in Massachusetts. She previously practiced environmental law with a large firm. Kathi enjoys hiking, sewing, reading and travel.
All Stories by Kathiann Kowalski
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Science & Society
Hurdling poverty to find a life in science
In the United States, one in every six kids grows up poor. But here’s why a humble start need not keep them from a career in science or engineering.
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Science & Society
Enriching opportunities can point teens toward a STEM career
Resources abound to help middle school through college students find what it takes to build successful STEM careers. Check these out.
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Science & Society
Ten tips to prepare for a career in science and tech
Scientists and engineers who grew up poor share advice on the many paths to a rewarding career in STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
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Science & Society
Redrawing political boundaries may alter rates of violent crime
The way politicians draw boundaries for voting districts could affect not only who wins elections, but also where rates of violent crime may rise.
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Genetics
Explainer: DNA hunters
Snippets of DNA can be left behind by a passing organism. Some researchers now act as wildlife detectives to identify the sources of such cast-off DNA.
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Genetics
Can DNA editing save endangered species?
Scientists may be able to help endangered species by changing the genes of a whole population of wild animals. But some question whether that is wise.
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Chemistry
Human waste could power plastic-making in space
Someday recycled urine and exhaled breath could feed specially engineered yeast to make plastics and other useful chemicals on long space missions.
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Health & Medicine
Scientists probe new ways to control malaria
In the quest to stop malaria, one researcher studies the disease in birds, bats and other animals. Another focuses on climate change and human sprawl.
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Chemistry
Science works to save a salty world treasure
Poland’s 700-year old salt mine, just outside Kraków, not only is a cultural art treasure, but also an active research site for geologists, chemists and more.
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Materials Science
One day, your sunscreen may be made from DNA
A new approach to sunscreen could use a thin layer of DNA to protect skin cells — and hopefully prevent cancer.
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Materials Science
U.S. Army is developing high-tech underwear
A new fabric could warm the skin of active soldiers in cold climates. At the same time, it could soak away sweat that might otherwise cause chills.
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Psychology
Warnings may help flag fake news, but they also backfire
Warning that a news story may be false can help people avoid being duped by hoaxes — but not as much as you might think, according to a new study.