Kathleen Davis
Producer
Kathleen Davis is a producer and fill-in host at Science Friday, which means she spends her weeks researching, writing, editing, and sometimes talking into a microphone. She heads the show’s State of Science project, bringing local science stories to a national audience.
Before joining the Science Friday team in 2020, Kathleen reported on tech and breaking news at WESA, Pittsburgh’s NPR station. One time, her coworkers made her a dinosaur themed birthday cake, complete with a Rice Krispy meteor.
Kathleen is originally from the great state of Michigan, and is always eager to talk about freshwater lakes and Coney Island diners. She can often be found taking long walks to run errands that would be done much faster by other modes of transportation.
Segment
Listen
Could we live in a dinosaur world?
If you got sucked back to dino times, you might get snacked on by a giant meat-eater. But what other dangers would you face?
Segment
Listen
The ancient Roman doctrine guiding modern environmental fights
In an effort to protect natural resources, environmentalists and tribes are using state-level public trust doctrines to fight development.
Segment
Listen
How do you figure out if microplastics are affecting pregnancy?
Microplastic researchers are trying to find answers about pressing health concerns while navigating the challenges of a new field of science.
Segment
Listen
Researchers identify a ‘golden age’ of language diversity
At the peak of linguistic diversity, humans may have spoken up to 10 times as many languages as we do today.
Segment
Listen
12:11
Colorado’s snow drought deals a major blow to recreation
A record-breaking snow drought in Colorado jeopardizes skiing, fishing, and rafting. Can economies that rely on outdoor recreation adjust?
Segment
Listen
How do you find a ‘lost’ species?
A new journal documents species “lost to science.” Plus, a project to locate lost firefly species in the U.S. and Canada.
Segment
Listen
Sitting all day is terrible for us. Moving a little can help
Modern life involves a lot of sitting and staring at screens, and that takes a toll. Can moving for 5 minutes make a difference?
Segment
Listen
How can astronaut food be better?
As NASA plans for longer spaceflights to the moon and Mars, a better menu is important both nutritionally and psychologically.
Segment
Listen
How do you piece together what life was like in Pompeii?
Archeologists are piecing together the lives of ordinary Pompeii residents, from a fish sauce entrepreneur to an enterprising businesswoman.
Segment
Listen
How does a tick bite cause a red meat allergy?
Cases of alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy that comes from a tick bite, are climbing fast. But why does it only develop in certain people?