Carly Kay is a science journalist whose work spans materials science, environmental reporting, and the quirky edges of scientific discovery. As the Fall 2025 science‑writing intern at Science News, she covers topics ranging from shark‑bite‑resistant wetsuits to Antarctic ecosystems and high‑speed physics experiments. Her writing blends clarity with curiosity, making complex research accessible to broad audiences while keeping a sense of wonder alive through unexpected scientific stories.

Before joining Science News, Kay earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from UC Santa Barbara and a master’s degree in science communication from UC Santa Cruz. Her background includes work with MIT Technology Review, Lookout Local, and environmental organizations such as Patagonia, where she contributed to outreach, climate‑focused storytelling, and community engagementLinkedIn. This mix of journalism and environmental advocacy shapes her instinct for science grounded in lived experience.

Kay’s reporting often centers on frontline communities, climate justice, and the human dimensions of scientific research. She aims to bridge the gap between laboratories and everyday life, using intentional storytelling to highlight voices that are often overlooked in traditional science media. Whether profiling emerging technologies or documenting ecological shifts, she brings a narrative style that connects scientific rigor with emotional resonance.