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.
11:48
Consider Empathy For The Yeti Crab (And Other Sea Creatures, Too)
Science writer Sabrina Imbler’s wide-ranging essays mix memoir and marine biology in “How Far The Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creatures.”
6:12
Putting Tap Water To The Test
Reporter Alex Hager reports on what happens when sommelier standards are applied to Colorado’s tap water.
12:14
From Tiny Krill To Concrete Jungles: 2022’s Best Science Books For Kids
Go with a classic for holiday gifts this year: Books! Check out our favorite science books for the young scientists on your list.
7:17
Groundwater Contamination In Missouri Kept Secret From Residents
Department of Natural Resources employees knew the contamination had “undoubtedly occurred” in 1993. The broader public didn’t learn it was in their drinking water until 2018.
24:09
The Science Behind Your Favorite Thanksgiving Dishes
Should you brine your turkey? Why do mashed potatoes get glue-y? Cookbook author Kenji López-Alt tackles the science behind thanksgiving.
9:28
New Documentary Is Endearing Tribute To NASA’s Rover Program
Director Ryan White shares behind-the-scenes insights into the recent film, “Good Night Oppy.”
8:49
Across The Country, RSV Is Overwhelming Medical Systems
Though they face different challenges, doctors from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic are wrestling with skyrocketing cases and overflowing medical centers.
12:05
Don’t Trust What You See On TikTok This Election Season
Research found the social media platform allowed 90% of misleading political ads to run—even though they contradicted TikTok’s own policies.
11:54
How To Digitally Recreate Darth Vader’s Voice From A War Zone
A Ukrainian AI company was hired to mimic the Star Wars’ villain’s voice for the franchise’s next films. Then Russia invaded.
5:14
Toxic Death Cap Mushrooms Take Root In The Mountain West
A highly poisonous, hard-to-eradicate species of mushroom has found its way from Europe to California and Idaho.