After Hurricane Harvey, using prairie plants to absorb flood water
In a story that impacts individuals around the world, a Great Plains botanical garden looks at the ability of native plants to decrease flood risk and improve public health. [1100 words, magazine style]
Inside the McDonald Observatory’s effort to preserve the darkest skies in West Texas
Dark skies and stars not only inspire budding astronomers; they help us all lead healthier lives, according to much recent research. This article for the University of Texas alumni magazine, Alcalde, addresses public and environmental health impacts of increased light pollution blocking our view of the night sky. [1200 words, magazine style]
Assessing water risk
“It’s not enough to say ‘yes, there are pathogens and people can get sick,’” says water engineer Dr. Jennifer Weidhaas in this blog article I wrote for the University of Utah Water Center. “We need to get suggestions to decision-makers so they can improve their system.”
Understanding how low levels of domoic acid affect brain development
Coastal dwellers who regularly eat seafood may be affected by low doses of marine poisoning, found new research in this article from Washington—a state where Native American tribes play a significant role in the waterside population. University of Washington Center on Human Development and Disability.
Children’s success in school affected by vision
This alumni piece for Johns Hopkins Magazine looks at a Baltimore study of what happens—to vision, behavior, and academic performance—when children are given free glasses at school.
For autism: asking why a gene mutation’s symptoms may vary
In a piece about current autism research from University of Washington, a scientist discusses why interviewing families online during the COVID-19 pandemic helped increase equity: “Families are often significantly impacted by their family member’s rare gene mutation. Whether families can take the time off to travel becomes an equity issue, but now we’re better able to meet families where they are.” University of Washington Center on Development and Disability.
Vermont to pay farmers for tackling phosphorus
In an effort to protect watersheds, University of Vermont researchers are partnering with state officials on a new $7-million program that involves paying farmers to reduce phosphorus pollution.
How to be a bird’s buddy during fall migration
I spoke with a Seattle Audubon conservation director about topics including why anti-racism must be part of improving cities for nature and conservation and access for all. University of Washington alumni magazine.
Green spaces (and equitable access to them) are good for the mind and soul
This article for American Forests addresses better public health for students in schools with vegetation and trees, among other topics. [1200 words, magazine style]
West Coast cities and wildfire public health
For Smart Cities Dive, this piece looks at three West Coast cities’ efforts to improve public health for citizens during summer wildfire smoke events. [1500 words, longform article for a business + government trade publication]
Healing with a clear target
A Colombia native, Tania Betancourt wants to make biomedical research treatments for cancer more accessible and affordable to the general public. On a team of professors leading work in targeted cancer treatment research using nanomaterials, she’s also sharing real-world techniques that help college students build a biomedical future. Sponsored content article for a university via the content agency Texas Monthly Studio. [1400 words, longform magazine style]
Forest ecologist Nalini Nadkarni keeps nature in touch
In this profile for the University of Washington alumni magazine, treetop ecologist Nalini Nadkarni communicates science to the world outside museums, including incarcerated individuals and the public. [900 words, magazine style]
Mentoring natural leaders
Having learned about nature in a segregated Boy Scout troop in the St. Louis area, Stephen Lockhart was named a Champion of Change by the White House in 2014 for his work with kids in environmental education. He says he and others, such as friend Sally Jewell, 51st secretary of the interior), aim to create tomorrow’s conservation leaders. Read here about his background and volunteer work. Washington University alumni magazine.
Seeing nature everywhere
In a profile for the University of Minnesota alumni magazine, author Julia Corbett discusses how “everyday” nature can help us focus on issues like climate change. [700 words, magazine style]
How one alum is working to improve women-focused microfinance programs
For this Johns Hopkins Magazine article, I spoke with a senior adviser at Oxfam America about microfinance programs with training to help women foster more sophisticated involvement with banks.
Kenyan public health nonprofit seeks safe walks home
In the slums of Nairobi, Kenya, pregnant women on their way to clinics are easy targets for muggings, since they carry cash to pay for their appointments but will give it up without much of a struggle. Jhpiego, a Johns Hopkins–affiliated nonprofit that focuses on infant and maternal health, established in 2012 a business training program for Kenya’s young men.
In pandemic, people are turning to nature — especially women
Here’s a study story for University of Vermont Gund Institute of Environment about outdoor access use during the COVID-19 pandemic. [longform blog/study article]
Healthy soils are life-giving black gold
This longform article for Science News for Students (with Washington, D.C.-based Society for Science and the Public) is about soil health’s effects on our food, surroundings, and climate change. [1200 words, magazine style]
Wildfires, population growth, 50 years of Salt Lake water: an EPA study
For the University of Utah Water Center, this article addresses new research on how an Intermountain West city expected to double in population by 2050 can plan its water resources. [blog article]
Transgender guide provides focus to search
In this institutional-publications article for University of Minnesota Libraries, I wrote about their new transgender guide—aimed at researchers who need to find #transgender, not just #LGBTQ, materials. #inclusion #research
Better wellness for the country starts at . . . work?
Nationally, Americans use preventive services at about half the recommended rate, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But usage rates of preventative care increase when deductibles, co-insurance, or co-payments are removed.
