Here’s what alumni are writing: a compendium from Federico Kukso (2015-16). Valeria Román (2004-05): “Argentina’s economic crisis could trigger scientific ‘collapse,’ researchers warn,” Science. Lauren M. Whaley (2016-17): “New survey paints dire picture of challenges black moms face in health care system,” Center for Health Journalism. Wayt Gibbs (1999-2000): “Eyes on the High Seas: Illegal […]
David Baron, on that other “Great American Eclipse”
The longtime radio journalist took KSJ fellows behind the scenes of his book on the 19th century eclipse that drew a swarm of scientists to America’s western frontier. David Baron’s first total solar eclipse sighting changed his life. “I was just seeing a sky I had never seen before,” he said of the February 1998 […]
The Knight Science Journalism Program Celebrates 35 Years
On a crisp autumn evening punctuated by a postcard-worthy sunset, MIT’s Knight Science Journalism Program honored its founder, launched a new science journalism award, and celebrated 35 years as one of journalism’s preeminent fellowship programs. Some one hundred attendees — including current and former fellows, current director Deborah Blum, and three of the program’s previous […]
Alumni Notes: Septebmer 21, 2018
A trio of KSJ alumni took home honors in the National Association of Science Writer’s Science and Society awards, announced earlier this week. Maryn McKenna (2013-14) won in the Book category for Big Chicken, which tells the eye-opening story of how antibiotics birthed modern agriculture and revolutionized the way we eat. Judges called it a […]
Master of Ig Nobel Prize Ceremonies Talks Humor in Science
September 13th marked the 28th annual Ig Nobel Prizes, a ceremony that honors scientists for research into such delightfully unexpected questions as, “Can a cat be both a liquid and a solid?” and “Why do old men have big ears?” The prizes are awarded for “achievements that first make people laugh, then make them think.” […]
Checking in on Fact Checking in Science Journalism
The Knight Science Journalism program at MIT took a close look at one of the profession’s most underappreciated practices — and uncovered a few surprises. At some science news publications, a fact checker could get fired for reading a quote verbatim to a source. At others, it’s standard practice. Still other publications have no formal […]