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.
12:05
This Fish Is The Master Of The Poignant Pause
Much like your favorite public radio host, electric fish use pauses in speech, too.
13:14
Consider The Nocturnal, Whiskered Oilbird
A deep dive into a bird that’s “wrong in every way,” according to a researcher who loves them.
17:17
Wait, Am I Going To Need A Booster Shot?
Epidemiologist Dr. Céline Gounder untangles rapidly changing pandemic updates.
17:29
COVID And Climate Change Collide At The Olympics
How athletes are attempting to avoid infection–and coping with extreme heat–in Tokyo.
16:05
Will Blockchain Really Change The Way The Internet Runs?
The promise of blockchain, a decentralized database technology, has drawn attention for years. But what can it really do?
17:23
See A Spotted Lanternfly? Squash It!
The invasive and damaging pest has carved out a foothold on the East Coast—and experts worry it could spread.
16:23
How Edgar Allan Poe Exposed Scientific Hoaxes—And Perpetrated Them
Despite his heartbreak, the famous poet was dedicated to exploring scientific developments—and their dangers.
16:36
A Monterey Bay Aquarium Scientist Gives Fun Facts About Cephalopods
Learn about octopi’s dietary preferences, how to raise cephalopods, and more from staff at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
12:11
Kids Are Benefiting From Adult Vaccinations, Too
Plus, how climate change could bring cicadas out more often.
17:20
How To Talk About Medical Marijuana With Your Doctor
With more states legalizing medical marijuana, physicians and patients are both figuring out how to best use cannabis.