Contributors

Talal Al Khatib - History

Before joining Discovery News, I was a bit of a political junkie, as an intern for the ABC News Political Unit, an associate writer for National Journal's "The Hotline," and a Web producer for POLITICO.

Cristen Conger - Human

I'm a staff writer for HowStuffWorks.com, blogger for "How-to Stuff" and co-host of the "Stuff Mom Never Told You" podcast. I've contributed articles to Discovery.com, AnimalPlanet.com, TLC.com and ScienceChannel.com.

Lori Cuthbert - Editor-in-Chief

For the past 14 years, I've headed up Discovery News, growing it into one of the best news websites around. From breaking the water on Mars story, to causing a stir with King Tut's body parts, it's been my privilege to cover amazing stories with a hugely talented team of journalists. Contact: discoverynews@discovery.com

Alyssa Danigelis - Tech

As a writer for Discovery News since 2008, I'm proud to illuminate developments on the tech and earth sites. My work has appeared in Technology Review, Fast Company, Inc., and GOOD online among others. I reside in Boulder, Colo. Contact: discoverynewsalyssa@gmail.com.

Trace Dominguez - Associate Producer

My love for science began young. When I was seven, I kept an invention notebook and dropped eggs off the roof, attempting to make a parachute. I've written for Discovery News, Geekbeat.tv and American University. When not geeking out, I escape the city to enjoy camping and hiking.

Jesse Emspak - Tech

I've been a journalist for 15 years and a fan of science for a lot longer. Writing about physics to biology, I've found there are a thousand stories and too little time for all of them. Being a reporter means that you never stop learning and get to talk to people you might never meet in "real life."

Sheila Eldred - Human

Several years on a daily paper taught me how to flip a story quickly, but I also learned that I like to dig deeper. As a freelance journalist, I have the luxury to do just that. I also share my passion for good writing and reporting as the media adviser at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minn.

Nicole Gugliucci - Space

I am a graduate student in astronomy at the University of Virginia, working on a low-frequency radio telescope to detect hydrogen from the early universe. I enjoy all kinds of outreach, especially helping kids explore the world around them. I'm skeptically curious about all things.

Nic Halverson- Tech

I'm a journalist based in Columbia, MO. I spent the last seven years in Chicago, writing feature stories for local publications. When my nose isn't in a book or magazine, I'm either writing and recording music in my attic or sitting around a campfire on the banks of the Missouri River.

Irene Klotz - Senior Correspondent, Space

We can't change when or how long we live. All that really counts is what we do. Space exploration has technical, political and mental challenges, but rewards us with surprising knowledge. It's one of humanity's noblest endeavors and the focus of my work since 1987.

Robert Lamb - Space

Staff science writer HowStuffWorks.com, I also blog for "ScienceStuff" and co-host the "ScienceStuff" podcast. A former high school English teacher, I become a reporter for the Tullahoma News in Tennessee, later joining the staff of the Covington News in Georgia.

Rossella Lorenzi - Senior Correspondent, History & Archaeology

Contact  

I live in Italy, dividing my time among an 18th-century Florentine house, virtual archaeological digs, and travels to report on new historical discoveries. When I am not writing, I enjoy nature walks, guitar playing, sailing and good Italian restaurants.

Jason Major - Space

I'm a graphic designer from Rhode Island, living in Dallas and working for StyleMark, a sunglass company. My love of astronomy and science has driven me to create LightsInTheDark.com, a blog featuring photos from our amazing solar system. I also write for Universe Today.

Jessica Marshall - Earth

After getting a PhD in chemical engineering, I wanted to work where science and engineering meet society. So I studied science journalism at the U. of California, Santa Cruz. I've written for Discovery News, New Scientist, ScienceNow and Nature.

Kieran Mulvaney - Earth

Buy Kieran's Book!  

I've spent my life writing about, and attempting to protect, wildlife and the environment. I founded the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and I've chased after whaling ships with Greenpeace. My latest book details personal encounters humans have had with polar bears. Contact: kieranakvegas@gmail.com

Eric Niiler - General

Contact  

As a reporter and editor, I've collared jaguars in the Yucatan and scoundrels on Capitol Hill. A familiar voice on public radio, I've contributed to NPR, Marketplace and many local stations. Now a Washington, D.C. based journalist, I'm hunting scoops for Discovery News.

Ian O'Neill - Space Producer

I'm the space producer for Discovery News, and I have a special love for solar physics, manned spaceflight and investigating the inner workings of our universe. The exploration of space is an adventure; it's my job to chronicle our journey. Contact: ian_o'neill-cw@discovery.com

Amanda Onion - Managing Editor

I made the jump to covering only science when trying to avoid writing one more story about the Monica Lewinsky scandal. (Thank you, Monica!) I've covered and edited science news for a range of outlets and now I feel lucky to be editing the best science content anywhere. Contact: discoverynews@discovery.com

Christina Ortiz - Gadgets

I'm a freelance journalist and a science nerd. I love learning about every area of science; some of my favorites being the environment, health, medicine and especially technology. When not reading or writing, I practice yoga and pilates and spend time with my family.

Jennifer Ouellette - Space

Contact  

I'm the author of "Black Bodies and Quantum Cats," "The Physics of the Buffyverse," and "The Calculus Diaries." I hold a black belt in jujitsu, and live in Los Angeles with a tall cosmologist named Sean.

Rose Palazzolo - News Producer

As part of a neverending quest to understand the world, I've had diverse jobs -- from covering crime and politics in Chicago and NYC to international food and travel to working undercover in disclosing animal cruelty and celebrity mischief. As the News Producer (and your Tumblr) at Discovery News I am able to indulge all my interests.

Rob Pegoraro - Tech

Contact  

I write about computers, consumer electronics, telecom services, the Internet, software and other things that beep or blink, most recently as the Washington Post's tech columnist. I've covered the Consumer Electronics Show every year since 1998 but I sometimes forget to charge my phone.

Benjamin Radford - Resident Skeptic

Contact  

My background is in journalism and investigation, often trying to understand why people believe things for which there is little or no evidence. My specialty is applying critical thinking and scientific methodologies to unusual claims. I also -- oops, gotta go: I found an error on the Internet!

Christina Reed - Earth Producer

Contact  

I'm an author, freelance science writer and communications consultant who's worked with Scientific American, Science and Nature, among others. In 2003, I was the science coordinator for James Cameron's 3D IMAX movie "Aliens of the Deep." My books cover the history of marine science in the 20th century.

Sarah Simpson - Earth

I'm a freelance writer and contributing editor for Scientific American. As an editor, I have helped dozens of scientist-authors translate their jargon for the public. My heart lies with Earth history, but I stray frequently to write about ocean policy, climate change and the environment. My home base is sunny Riverside, CA. Contact: simpson@nasw.org.

Emily Sohn - Earth

I'm a freelance journalist based in Minneapolis. I've paddled down the Peruvian Amazon, biked through Turkey, and SCUBA-dived into Cuba, all to tell stories about the world’s animals and ecosystems. For Discovery News, I help cover the environment.

Tracy Staedter - Tech Producer

Contact  

As producer for Discovery News/Tech, every morning I’m scanning the tech headlines, planning coverage, talking with my colleagues, my bloggers and podcasters and listening to your feedback. I live in Boston, a hub of emerging technology, and often hear about cool tech first hand.

Scott Tharler - Gadgets

Contact  

I grew up wearing geeky watches with calculators, games, thermometers and phone dialers. Now I'm a sucker for green, wireless and travel-oriented devices. Through various trade shows, newsletters and industry contacts, I strive to report on most consumer electronics gadget categories.

Mark Thompson - Astronomy

Contact  

I am the Astronomy Presenter on the hit UK BBC TV show, The One Show, where my pre-recorded films and live appearances reach 5.5million people daily. This work led me to being awarded a position on the Council of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Jennifer Viegas - Senior Correspondent, Animals

Contact  

As one of Discovery News’ first reporters, I’ve covered everything from great white sharks to Transylvanian dinosaurs. I have a film production studio and am a managing editor at Studio One Networks. I’ve written over 20 books and some of the first climate change reports.

Ray Villard - Space

My career has been communicating the wonder of astronomy. I'm the architect of the communications effort to make the Hubble Space Telescope the most inspirational science instrument in history. Being part of it all is enthralling and exciting. Contact: villard@stsci.edu.

Tim Wall - Earth

From working in genetics labs to teaching Spanish to home brewing, I have a wide variety of experiences. I've also served in the Peace Corps in Honduras, helping to organize a trash collection system, translate for medical groups, and teach environmental classes.

James Williams - Video Producer

I love big scary weather events, dinosaur bones and bugs that invade each other's heads. I've learned that the real world is waaaaaay more bizarre and interesting than anything you'd see in the movies, and my job is to prove that to you through video. Contact: discoverynews@discovery.com