As Science Friday’s director and senior producer, Charles Bergquist channels the chaos of a live production studio into something sounding like a radio program. He coordinates in-studio activities each week from 1-4. And then collapses. He also produces pieces for the radio show. His favorite topics involve planetary sciences, chemistry, materials, and shiny things with blinking lights.
Charles has been at Science Friday longer than anyone on staff except Ira, and so serves as a repository of sometimes useful, sometimes useless knowledge about the program. He remembers the time an audience member decided to recite a love poem during a live remote broadcast, the time the whole staff went for ice cream at midnight in Fairbanks, Alaska, and the name of that guy Ira is trying to remember from a few years back who did something with space.
He hails from southeastern Pennsylvania and worked for a while as a demonstrator at the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia’s science museum (favorite devices: Maillardet’s Automaton, the stream table, the Chladni plates). He has a degree in chemistry from the University of Delaware, home of the Fighting Blue Hens, and a master’s in journalism from New York University’s Science, Health, and Environmental Reporting Program. However, he attended the program prior to the addition of ‘Health’ to its name, which may explain his slight unease when covering medical topics.
Outside the walls of Science Friday, he enjoys backpacking, camping, cooking not-entirely-healthy things, reading escapist fiction, and trying to unravel his children’s complicated stories.
12:16
Pfizer’s Vaccine Is Now Fully Approved. What’s Next For The Pandemic?
Many organizations moved to require COVID-19 vaccinations after Pfizer’s shot got FDA approval. What impact will it have on the pandemic?
12:11
You, Too, Can Be All Thumbs. Or At Least Three.
Scientists are studying what a prosthetic device they’re calling a “Third Thumb” does to your brain.
10:42
Lighting Design For Your Paleolithic Cave
Researchers modeled lighting options—from torches to oil lamps—used by ancient cave artists.
17:22
CRISPR Stops Rare Genetic Disease In New Human Trial
Gene-editing technique CRISPR may deliver new treatments for genetic diseases—and it’s already being tested on patients.
12:06
With Delta Rising, New Rules On Masks And Vaccines
The CDC has issued new guidance on mask-wearing as COVID-19 infection rates increase around the country.
17:01
What’s Shaking Below Mars’ Surface?
Scientists are using quakes on Mars to peer inside the interior of the Red Planet. Plus, a planned mission to investigate Venus.
17:30
Biden’s Surgeon General On How To Tackle Vaccine Hesitancy
The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, talks about the COVID-19 pandemic, and beyond.
12:03
A Tale Of Two Pandemics
People getting seriously ill from COVID-19 in the U.S. are overwhelmingly from unvaccinated populations.
12:12
Songbirds Suffer Mystery Illness From The East Coast To The Midwest
Songbirds from the mid-Atlantic to Indiana are suffering from an illness that causes swollen eyes, neurological symptoms, and death.
16:51
Listening To Seashells, An Oracle Of Ocean Health
As climate change brings warming seas and acidifying waters, seashells have become a harbinger of environmental change.