Bethany Brookshire

Bethany Brookshire was a longtime staff writer at Science News Explores and is the author of the book Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains. She has a B.S. in biology and a B.A. in philosophy from The College of William and Mary, and a Ph.D. in physiology and pharmacology from Wake Forest University School of Medicine. She was a 2019-2020 Knight Science Journalism Fellow at MIT, the winner of the Society for Neuroscience Next Generation Award and the Three Quarks Daily Science Writing Award, among others.

All Stories by Bethany Brookshire

  1. Neuroscience on wheels comes to Chicago

    The Think Tank is new science outreach idea. A bright green van drives the streets of Chicago, and bright young neuroscientists bring the inspiration of the brain to students and the public.

  2. Getting on the citizen science train

    Citizen science lets people of all ages and backgrounds contribute data and learn more about the world. All it takes is some scientific inspiration and an Internet connection.

  3. Teachers: ‘Cafés’ offer teens a quick sip of science

    Traditional science cafés reach out to adults, offering research-themed talks in bars. Now teen versions are popping up, complete with activities, pizza and loads of science.

  4. Teachers and Parents: Science activities for the whole family

    The annual American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting includes Family Science Days, where science outreach groups bring their best demonstrations to get students excited about science.

  5. For Teachers: Designing a virtual energy future

    The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago takes energy education one step further with games and simulations to help students learn about how we power our lives.

  6. Animals

    A weekend for the birds

    February 14 to 17 is this year’s Great Backyard Bird Count. It offers an opportunity to not only learn about the birds in your neighborhood but also contribute to science.

  7. Mario and texting make a fun science fair project

    Ideas for engaging science fair projects don’t have to come from books or science fair websites. Kids are more likely to get enthusiastic when a topic reflects what they care about most, from baking to sports to video games.

  8. Science site brings the brain to young minds

    A new website run by scientists takes input from kids to help make science articles accessible. There’s room for improvement, but the concept is exciting.

  9. A quick picture can help local bumblebees

    Bumblebee populations in North America are in decline. A new website allows citizen scientists to upload photos of the bees they see in the wild, to help track and conserve the rare species of this important pollinator.

  10. Interview: Ecologist follows the call of the pika

    Ecologist Johanna Varner talks to Eureka! Lab about her career path from cell biology to engineering to a rocky mountainside to study pikas.

  11. Sizing up the Kuiper belt

    With the help of students and amateur astronomers, scientists are learning more about the unusual objects at the edge of our solar system.

  12. Make 2014 a year of science

    Every month boasts a day or week celebrating some aspect of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM. From World Wetlands Day to National Moth Week, these events can help you engage in science year round.