JoAnna Wendel is a freelance science writer and cartoonist in Portland, Ore., specializing in Earth and planetary science, with a growing interest in animals (especially invertebrates). She’s written and made comics for publications including SmithsonianEosGizmodo, Inverse and Science News Explores. JoAnna has a bachelor’s degree in general science from the University of Oregon and loves trees, snakes and her cat, Pancake.