I am an award-winning science writer and author with a B.Sc. in physics and a PhD in biophysics. This path took me from the study of distant stars to the fine-tuned architecture of proteins. Along the way, I clocked time at telescopes, lab benches, and the occasional particle accelerator. When at last I realised I could combine my interest in science with my love of writing, I was hooked.

 

Over the years I have written about numerous scientific topics, including archaeology, ecology, evolution, chemistry, quantum physics, genetic ancestry, bird flu, vaccines, food security, and language development, just to name a few. My stories have been published by National Geographic, Forbes, COSMOS magazine, Australian Geographic, Gropius Bau Journal and others. My writing was also selected for inclusion in the Best Australian Science Writing anthologies for 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021, and 2023. I was awarded runner up for the UNSW Bragg Press Prize for Science Writing in 2016 and was shortlisted for the prize in 2021. I have also worked behind the scenes to help develop scientific content for productions such as World Science Festival Brisbane, ABC's Ask the Doctor, and Blackfella Film’s First Weapons.

 

My first book, The Age of Seeds: How Plants Hacked Time and Why Our Future Depends on It, was shortlisted for the 2023 Mark and Evette Moran Nib Literary Award and went on to win the 2023 Nib People's Choice Prize. 

 

I live in Brisbane, Australia with my husband, kids, and two ridiculously fluffy golden retrievers. I am a recent breast cancer survivor. It has been a tough journey and I'm incredibly grateful to still be here. 

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photo credits for above:

forest photo - Trent Mitchell

black & white photo - Lyssa Barrow