Kathiann Kowalski

Freelance Writer

Kathiann Kowalski loves talking with scientists and engineers about their work and why it matters. And she loves getting into the field — whether that’s at a lab, in a research forest, at a drilling site or on a research boat. She has written more than 700 articles, plus 25 books for young people. “There’s always something new happening — and something new to learn,” she says.

 

Kathi graduated from Hofstra University in New York and got her law degree from Harvard Law School in Massachusetts. She previously practiced environmental law with a large firm. Kathi enjoys hiking, sewing, reading and travel.

All Stories by Kathiann Kowalski

  1. Environment

    Ponds made to control floods can spew climate-warming gases, study finds

    Younger stormwater ponds can release more carbon in gases than they absorb, a study finds. That could aggravate global warming.

  2. Environment

    ‘Mining’ cryptocurrencies pollutes the real world

    Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies exist only online. Yet the environmental impacts of their networks affect the real world.

  3. Environment

    How we choose to pay has hidden costs for the planet

    Whether cash or credit, phone apps or digital currencies — all forms of payment have behind-the-scenes costs. And these can vary dramatically.

  4. Health & Medicine

    Here’s how a new sleeping bag could protect astronauts’ eyesight

    A new sleeping bag could avoid vision problems on long space flights due to microgravity. It counters a fluid buildup behind astronauts’ eyes.

  5. Psychology

    Discriminatory policing takes a toll on teens and tweens

    Black teens and tweens are several times more likely than white youths their age to be harmed by police.

  6. Brain

    Concussion patients should avoid screen time for first two days

    Teens may find it hard to avoid screen time, but data from a new study suggest it can speed their recovery.

  7. Psychology

    Psychology shines light on the harm racism can do

    All forms of racism are harmful. Research sheds new light on the biases behind racism and the many ways it can affect our mental health.

  8. Tech

    Did Facebook put Instagram profits ahead of teen safety?

    Former employee said Facebook (now Meta) ignored its own research on Instagram risks to teens’ mental health. We look at the issues and what you can do.

  9. Brain

    It doesn’t take a concussion for head hits to harm young brains

    Most head impacts while playing football do not cause concussions. Yet even lesser impacts take a toll in young athletes, scans of their brains show.

  10. Tech

    A sense of touch could upgrade virtual reality, prosthetics and more

    Scientists and engineers are trying to add touch to online shopping, virtual doctor appointments and artificial limbs.

  11. Psychology

    What happened when Simone Biles got the twisties at the Olympics?

    Stress might have led to physical and mental disorientation during the gymnastics competition. Still, a lot about the phenomenon remains unknown.

  12. Health & Medicine

    Warning: Wildfires might make you itch

    Western wildfires are on the rise due to climate change and land use. Now a study adds eczema to the list of health risks that smoke might trigger.