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. 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.

  2. Math

    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.

  3. Animals

    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.

  4. Ecosystems

    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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. Genetics

    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.

  9. Chemistry

    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.

  10. 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.

  11. Brain

    Spying on brains in action

    New tools let scientists see inside the brain and nervous system as their research subjects move around.

  12. Chemistry

    Recycling urine may be a way to boost plant growth

    A new chemical method makes nutrient-rich fertilizers from human urine.