REBECCA DZOMBAK
I write about science and society.
Science doesn't happen in a vacuum. It affects and is affected by society. I write to emphasize this, whether it's translating the latest climate change and ecology research for concerned communities or profiling the scientists who are behind the scenes, working to understand the world around us. By crafting compelling, people-centric narratives that put science in a social context, I help both experts and lifelong learners sate their curiosity—and hopefully inspire them to explore a little more.
I'm open to write and edit for outlets and institutions on a range of topics, including (but not limited to):
-
ecology, environment, and climate change
-
conservation and environmental justice
-
geoscience and space sciences
-
interesting people doing interesting things (making paints out of soils? running to raise money for science? doing research somewhere exciting?)
My freelance work has been published in Scientific American, Smithsonian Mag, Eos, Civil Eats, and more.
Want to collaborate on a project?
Select freelance writing
For a full list of work, go here.
REINDEER NEED TO EAT UP TO SURVIVE SVALBARD WINTERS
Warmer autumns mean more food access in the far north.
For Eos.
OUR BACK-UP COFFEE BEAN MIGHT NOT BE RELIABLE
Climate change is threatening the back-up coffee bean we were relying on.
FIELD CAMPS ARE ABLEIST AND OUTDATED
Geoscience programs should offer alternatives every year, not only during COVID-19.
Select institutional writing
Articles
A NEW GENERATION OF QUEER GEOSCIENTISTS
Queer geoscientists on LGBQT+ experiences * progress to be made.
INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVES ON GEOSCIENCE
Three Indigenous geoscientists share their experiences and ideas.
RESILIENT SENIORS ADAPT TO FINISH THESES
Three recent graduates share how they managed research and graduating in a pandemic.
Press releases
HIDDEN MAGMA POOLS POSE ERUPTION RISKS WE CAN'T DETECT
Current magma detection methods can't spot these small, shallow magma pools.
DID AN ANCIENT LAKE MAKE THE SAN ANDREAS QUAKE?
The vast lake dried up long ago, potentially explaining the current earthquake "drought" on the San Andreas fault.
RARE FOSSIL ALGAE FILL IN EVOLUTIONARY GAPS
The unexpected discovery deep in the Yukon helps us understand a mysterious part of Earth's history.
Editing work
I founded and served as editor-in-chief for the Michigan AWIS blog, which I created to elevate the voices of women in STEM in the Michigan community. I also edited for Michigan Science Writers, and through my GSA fellowship, I worked with geology grant recipients to help them find their narratives and share their science. I find it incredibly rewarding to help people craft their stories the way they want them to be told.
I love helping people find their narrative and editing pieces to ensure stories are told smoothly, accurately, and with the author's intended effect. Let me know if I can help you!
NONTRADITIONAL IS THE NEW NORM FOR UNDERGRADS
A student veteran reflects on how her path, which felt isolating at first, turned out to be beneficial.
PARENTING AND POST-DOC-ING DURING COVID-19
A postdoc takes parenting during the pandemic day by day
PLANETARY GEOLOGISTS ARE THE SOLAR SYSTEM'S FORENSIC SCIENTISTS
The chemistry of meteorites reveals what the early solar system was like
