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. Health & Medicine

    Here’s how a new sleeping bag could protect astronauts’ eyesight

    A new sleeping bag could avoid vision problems on long space flights due to microgravity. It counters a fluid buildup behind astronauts’ eyes.

  2. Psychology

    Discriminatory policing takes a toll on teens and tweens

    Black teens and tweens are several times more likely than white youths their age to be harmed by police.

  3. Brain

    Concussion patients should avoid screen time for first two days

    Teens may find it hard to avoid screen time, but data from a new study suggest it can speed their recovery.

  4. Psychology

    Psychology shines light on the harm racism can do

    All forms of racism are harmful. Research sheds new light on the biases behind racism and the many ways it can affect our mental health.

  5. Tech

    Did Facebook put Instagram profits ahead of teen safety?

    Former employee said Facebook (now Meta) ignored its own research on Instagram risks to teens’ mental health. We look at the issues and what you can do.

  6. Brain

    It doesn’t take a concussion for head hits to harm young brains

    Most head impacts while playing football do not cause concussions. Yet even lesser impacts take a toll in young athletes, scans of their brains show.

  7. Tech

    A sense of touch could upgrade virtual reality, prosthetics and more

    Scientists and engineers are trying to add touch to online shopping, virtual doctor appointments and artificial limbs.

  8. Psychology

    What happened when Simone Biles got the twisties at the Olympics?

    Stress might have led to physical and mental disorientation during the gymnastics competition. Still, a lot about the phenomenon remains unknown.

  9. Health & Medicine

    Warning: Wildfires might make you itch

    Western wildfires are on the rise due to climate change and land use. Now a study adds eczema to the list of health risks that smoke might trigger.

  10. Health & Medicine

    Simpler, easier COVID-19 test developed with kids in mind

    Designed by moms, it avoids any need to stick an uncomfortable swab up the nose. Instead, people just swish a dental roll around their mouths.

  11. Health & Medicine

    Cool Jobs: Saliva offers a spitting image of our health

    Scientists are using this secretion to study our body’s functions, to test for disease and even to diagnose injury.

  12. Psychology

    Too much sitting could hurt your mental health

    As inactivity increases, so does risk of depression and other mental health problems, new studies show. But breaks for even light activity can help.