Kathiann Kowalski

Kathiann Kowalski

Freelance Writer

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

  1. Physics

    Science offers recipes for homemade coronavirus masks

    New studies provide data on what types of mask materials protect best against the virus that causes COVID-19. They also point to the value of a really snug fit.

  2. Health & Medicine

    Tackling the novel coronavirus calls for novel ideas

    Teams around the world are proposing new innovations to fight COVID-19. Projects tackle supply shortages, new treatments, vaccines and more.

  3. Chemistry

    COVID-19 victims could breathe easier with these innovations

    Feared equipment shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic have prompted research teams to develop novel technologies to help oxygen-starved lungs.

  4. Earth

    Laundry tweaks can help clothes last longer and pollute less

    Clothes washed in cooler water and for less time shed less dye and fewer fibers, a new study finds. That’s better for clothes — and the environment.

  5. Earth

    An accident didn’t stop this geologist from doing field work

    Anita Marshall works to make it easier for other people with physical disabilities to pursue a research career.

  6. Health & Medicine

    Do school-shooter drills hurt students more than they help?

    There’s no set standard for shooter drills held at most U.S. schools. Experts are beginning to ask whether certain drills might hurt students more than they help.

  7. Health & Medicine

    Five ways to cope if shooter drills stress you out

    Experts offer tips for students who might feel stressed by drills to prepare for a possible school shooter.

  8. Climate

    This scientist wants to motivate you to fight climate change

    Getting lost in science fiction helps Shahzeen Attari reimagine what our future could look like.

  9. Psychology

    Study links racism with signs of depression in Black teens

    Among teens, just two weeks of frequent racial discrimination was enough to worsen signs of possible depression, a new study finds.

  10. Materials Science

    The future of crystal-based solar energy just got brighter

    Researchers have upped the efficiency of layered solar cells that could be printed or painted onto surfaces. Now they are working to make them more rugged.

  11. Health & Medicine

    Studies test ways to slow the spread of fake news

    Don’t share news online until you verify it. New studies explore who shares fake news, how to spot false stories and how to fact-check.

  12. Health & Medicine

    Scientists investigate suicide risk among LGBTQ+ teens

    LGBTQ+ youths face higher suicide risks because of how society treats them as members of minority groups. But resources are available. And all teens can help.