I am a science writer 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 and 2021. 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 (currently in production).

 

The Age of Seeds: How Plants Hacked Time and Why Our Future Depends on It will be published by Thames and Hudson Australia in July 2022. It’s my first book, and I’m deliriously excited about its release into the wild.

 

I live in Brisbane, Australia with my husband, kids, and a ridiculously furry golden retriever.

​

photo credits for above:

forest photo - Trent Mitchell

black & white photo - Lyssa Barrow