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.
10:12
The Nose Knows When It’s Cold—And It May Get You Sick
Researchers finally discover why upper respiratory infections are so common in winter.
5:07
In A New Hampshire Town, It’s Snowmobilers Vs. Beavers
Some residents want to leave a pond to beavers; others want it drained for snowmobile trails.
4:00
Growing Christmas Trees In A Warming World
Oregon is responsible for a quarter of the country’s Christmas trees. It’s also dealing with increased heat waves that are threatening its tree industry.
12:17
To Stop Whale Strikes, Ships Were Asked To Slow Down. It Worked
NOAA found that when ships decreased their speed during migration times, whale fatalities were cut in half.
11:40
Wish A Happy 190th Birthday To Jonathan The Tortoise
Plus, scientists have found the oldest known fragments of DNA.
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.