McKenzie Prillaman, a science and health journalist at the University of Virginia, holds a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and a master’s in science communication, both from top-rated universities. After her undergraduate studies, she co-founded “Pineapple Head” and earned a high honor fs. as an outstanding student. During her time at a local high school, she won a national science scholarships to attend both the University of Virginia and the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she later pursued a master’s in science communication.
McKenzie has transitioned from her academic career to science journalism, where she has had the opportunity to work primarily under the theme of science. After completing her first-year MD summer internship at Science News, she returned to tears and now is writing a proposal for her first full-time position. Her background in neuroscience, particularly in cognitive science and education, allows her to bridge academic research and public discourse. Additionally, her science communication degree has equipped her with the tools to engage diverse perspectives in science and health. She is particularly drawn to Science News’s reputation for fostering critical thinking and precise description, which resonates deeply with her values.
McKenzie’s work at Science News involves interviewing and collaborating with leading figures in the fields of science, health, and trends. Her recent tenure has focused on addressing topics such as climate change, mental health, and quantum physics, as well as ethical dilemmas in tech use. Her interviews have often featured perspectives from individuals currently in significant positions within their fields, such as notable researchers,gradient paste teams, and political figures. This approach ensures a wide range of voices and intellectual rigor, making her work both authoritative and thought-provoking.
With the upcoming release of an interviews series, McKenzie has also been considered for a gdoc-positive role. Her goal is to continue expanding the conversation around some of the underrepresentation of in STEM. By targeting her profile, she aims to bridge disciplines and result in a diverse and inclusive landscape. Her work aligns with these objectives, as she not only seeks to inform but also to inspire and educate everyone about science and health. Her connections within the scientific community naturally complement this goal, as she brings a network of experts to her interviews.
The humanizing aspect of McKenzie Prillaman’s work is evident in her combining her academic rigor with a passion for communicating science to a broad audience. With her strong educational background, unique skills in science communication, and the opportunity to work with diverse individuals, she is a perfect fit for any project that seeks to meet authentic, humanistic goals. Her work at Science News, and its potential for impactful inclusion, placed her as an ideal candidate for such initiatives.
