Author, essayist K.C. Cole to be science writer in residence

K.C. Cole, an author, essayist and staff writer for the Los Angeles Times, has been named the Fall 2001 Science Writer in Residence by UW–Madison.

The author of six non-fiction books and numerous articles, essays and reviews, Cole is known for her work covering some of the most challenging topics in science communication, topics that include mathematics, cosmology, and the less-explored corners of physics and chemistry.

For the past eight years, Cole has contributed a regular column, Mind Over Matter, to the Los Angeles Times. Her books include “The Hole in the Universe: How Scientists Peered Over the Edge of Emptiness and Found Everything,” “The Universe and the Teacup: The Mathematics of Truth and Beauty,” and “First You Build a Cloud: Reflections on Physics as a Way of Life.”

Cole has contributed articles to such publications as Newsweek, the New York Times, the Washington Post, Esquire, Discover and Glamour, among others. Cole also does science radio commentary for KPCC on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition, and she is a contributing editor to Astronomy magazine.

As a visiting writer, Cole will spend the week of Nov. 12 on the Madison campus and work with faculty, staff and students to convey a better appreciation and understanding of the business of science writing.

Cole will also deliver a public lecture, “Lost in the Translation: Writing about Science for the General Public,” at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at UW–Madison’s Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St. (check Today in the Union for a room number).

The Science Writer in Residence Program, now in its 15th year, was established with the support of the Brittingham Trust. It continues with support from the UW Foundation and has brought to campus many of the nation’s leading science writers, including three whose work subsequently earned them the Pulitzer Prize, journalism’s most prestigious award.

The program is sponsored by the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and University Communications.