Dee Peterschmidt is a producer, host of the podcast Universe of Art, and composes music for Science Friday’s podcasts. They’re drawn to stories about art, technology, and the environment.
Before joining the team at Science Friday, Dee was a product intern for NPR, where they helped out with podcast content management, social media strategy, and designed promo art.
Dee grew up in San Diego, where they learned hip slang like “swoll,” “clean,” and “off the flame” to describe muscle definition.
When they’re not working, you might find them playing Super Smash Bros. with their family, making 8-bit covers of TV show theme songs, or playing D&D as a clumsy bard named Chip Chap Chopman.
How Science Communication Can Step Up Amid Federal Cuts
As funding for US science is slashed, a science photographer and researcher takes a hard look at how scientists communicate their work.
Saying Goodbye To Universe Of Art
After two years, Universe of Art is coming to an end. But don’t worry—we’ll keep reporting on stories that mix art and science together.
17:29
How Cannibalistic Tadpoles Could Curb Invasive Cane Toads
Scientists used gene-editing technology to create “Peter Pan” tadpoles that would eat the eggs of Australia’s cane toads—and never grow up.
The Science Of That Big Stunt From The New ‘Mission: Impossible’
How the “Final Reckoning” crew used science to bring an underwater stunt to life. Plus, the psychology behind thrill-seeking.
How Death Metal Singers Make Their Extreme Vocalizations
Vocal researchers are learning how death metal singers safely produce extreme vocal distortions, in hopes of improving vocal health care.
Functional Fashion From An Artist And A Caterpillar
A passion for fashion among the “bone collector caterpillar,” who wears a coat of body parts, and an artist who makes fabrics that remember.
How ‘Science Interpreters’ Make Hidden Science Visible
A cell animator and a museum designer tell us how they translate scientific findings into visual experiences.
11:45
And The Oscar Goes To … Science
The Sci-Tech Awards honor behind-the-scenes technologies that bring movies to life, from car flippers to safe burn gel for fire stunts.
5:21
This Ancient Wasp Might’ve Used Its Butt Flaps To Trap Prey
Taking a cue from a Venus flytrap, this prehistoric wasp had a creative way of getting its meal.
10:31
Anal Teeth And Deadly Farts: The World Of Invertebrate Butts
In this story from 2022, we meet the scientists and illustrators who spread joy and knowledge about the backends of the backbone-less.