Emma Gometz is a science journalist and artist based in Queens, New York. They are a newsletter editor for Scientific American, where they write the magazine’s pop culture newsletter, “Cultured.” Emma’s words and voice can be found in Popular Science, Atlas Obscura, Scientific American, The Open Notebook, Teen Vogue, WNYC’s Science Friday, and more.
Before joining Scientific American, Emma was the the digital producer of engagement for Science Friday. They helped develop audience strategy, wrote the “Science Goes To The Movies” newsletter series and other journalistic articles, and contributed to the visual artistic direction of SciFri’s digital platforms.
Emma was born and raised in Queens, New York, to Colombian and Jewish parents. They hold a BA in Evolutionary Biology of the Human Species from Columbia University. Emma is a writer and illustrator who loves drawing primates, including naked humans. They are also a performance artist, having performed and directed experimental pieces for Ars Nova, Soho Playhouse, Williamsburg Art Nexus, The Tank, Times Square Arts, and more.
In their spare time, Emma listens to many musical soundtracks, writes a substack loveletter to junkfood, and tends to their coping mechanisms like G-d to the garden of Eden. Dave Malloy, if you’re reading this, you’ve changed my life forever.
Why are we changing the way we keep time?
Timekeeping scientists around the world voted to stop using leap seconds, but what does this mean for us?
The Best Of Science Friday, 2025
From fish to Phish, Science Friday has had a big year. Our staff chose their favorite stories and projects from 2025.
400-Year-Old Displays Of Human Tissue Live On In ‘Frankenstein’
The 17th century Evelyn Tables show real human nerves and veins, dried on wooden boards. Designers on the new Netflix film took note.
‘Tron: Ares’ And What Happens When AI Gets The Feels
What does AI do with human feelings? To investigate its readiness to serve as a therapist, a neuroscientist took ChatGPT for an emotional ride.
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Why Painters Are Obsessed With The Duck Stamp Art Contest
Duck stamps help fund wetland conservation across the country. The art that adorns them is chosen through a beloved (and intense) competition.
Tradition Meets TikTok At The Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest
A new group of social media-savvy wildlife artists is bringing a beloved conservation tradition to TikTok. It’s ruffled some feathers.
How Illinois Volunteers Brought Back The Kankakee Mallow
To save the rare flower from disappearing, a group of volunteers simulated rolling wildfires on a tiny island near Chicago.
Why ‘The Toxic Avenger’ Has Kept Our Attention For Over 40 Years
The superhero satire that’s “the lowest brow you can go” has a secret identity—a message about environmental justice.
Why Self-Driving Cars Are The Perfect Heel In ‘The Naked Gun’
Car crashes aren’t very funny. Unless, apparently, it’s a self-driving car. Researchers on public perception of these new vehicles explain why.
Instead Of A Vaccine For Lyme, How About A Vaccine For Ticks?
When ticks bite us, they release thousands of proteins through their saliva. Could a vaccine for the right ones stop ticks from latching on?