Carly Kay: Science Communicator with a Passion for Storytelling
Carly Kay brings her expertise in science communication to Science News as their Fall 2025 science writing intern. With educational foundations in both general communication and specialized science communication, Kay has positioned herself at the intersection of scientific discovery and public understanding. Her academic journey began at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in communication, building fundamental skills in effective messaging and audience engagement that would later serve as the cornerstone of her professional development.
Following her undergraduate studies, Kay pursued specialized training in science communication at the University of California, Santa Cruz, earning her master’s degree in the field. This advanced program equipped her with the unique skillset required to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible narratives for diverse audiences. The UC Santa Cruz science communication program is known for its rigorous curriculum that combines journalistic principles with scientific literacy, preparing graduates to bridge the often challenging gap between scientific communities and the general public.
As Science News’ Fall 2025 intern, Kay applies her academic background to the practical world of science journalism. Her role likely involves researching emerging scientific developments, interviewing researchers and experts, and crafting compelling stories that accurately represent scientific findings while engaging non-specialist readers. This position represents an important professional stepping stone, allowing Kay to contribute to public scientific literacy while refining her skills in a respected publication with a long history of excellence in science reporting.
Kay’s work comes at a crucial time when clear, accurate science communication has never been more important. In an era of information abundance and misinformation challenges, skilled science communicators serve as essential translators, helping the public navigate complex topics from climate change to medical breakthroughs. Through her writing, Kay likely strives to not only inform readers about scientific developments but also to contextualize these advances within broader societal implications, making science relevant to everyday concerns and decisions.
The combination of Kay’s broad communication foundation from UC Santa Barbara and her specialized science communication training from UC Santa Cruz positions her to approach science writing with both technical accuracy and narrative engagement. This dual perspective allows her to identify the human elements within scientific stories, connecting research findings to their real-world implications and making them accessible to readers without sacrificing scientific integrity. Her educational background suggests a commitment to both the scientific process and effective public engagement.
As Kay develops her career in science writing beginning with this internship, she joins a community of science communicators working to enhance public understanding of science. Her role represents the continuing importance of dedicated professionals who can translate scientific knowledge into forms that inform, engage, and inspire public audiences. Through her work at Science News and beyond, Kay has the opportunity to contribute to scientific literacy and foster more informed public discourse around scientific issues that affect our collective future.
