Shawna Williams

Shawna Williams

Shawna joined The Scientist in 2017 and is now a senior editor and news director. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Colorado College and a graduate certificate in science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Previously, she worked as a freelance editor and writer, and in the communications offices of several academic research institutions. As news director, Shawna assigns and edits news, opinion, and in-depth feature articles for the website on all aspects of the life sciences. She is based in central Washington State, and is a member of the Northwest Science Writers Association and the National Association of Science Writers.

Articles by Shawna Williams
blue-gloved hands injecting mouse with syringe
Sex of Researcher Influences Ketamine’s Effects in Mice: Study
Shawna Williams | Sep 8, 2022
The findings likely have implications for animal research far beyond the study of antidepressants.
the Melbourne skyline with lake in foreground
New Australian Center Will Develop Therapies for Future Pandemics
Shawna Williams | Aug 31, 2022
Launched with a $172 million philanthropic donation and funds from the state of Victoria, the Melbourne-based research institute aims to construct drug discovery platforms to speed the introduction of new therapies.
White House on sunny day
No More Paywalls on Federally Funded Research: White House
Shawna Williams | Aug 25, 2022
The Biden administration will by 2026 require that all publicly funded work be deposited in designated repositories immediately on publication.
Updated
the White House on a sunny day
Biden Names National Monkeypox Response Coordinator
Shawna Williams | Aug 2, 2022
FEMA official Robert Fenton and a deputy are charged with increasing access to tests, vaccines, and treatment.
a view of Washington, DC at night from across the river in Virginia
Reorganization Would Shift Responsibility for US Pandemic Response
Shawna Williams | Jul 21, 2022
The Biden administration plans to elevate the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response to its own division in a bid to improve the response to current and future public health emergencies, The Washington Post reports.
T. rex-like dinosaur head covered in knobby structures
The Dino That Looked T. Rex-y Long Before T. Rex 
Shawna Williams | Jul 7, 2022
Fossil findings shed light on a little-known group of Cretaceous-era beasts—and indicate that the combination of a large head and diminutive arms was no evolutionary fluke.
Vicu&ntilde;as <em>(Lama vicugna)</em> run across the plains in San Guillermo National Park, Argentina.
How Mange Remade an Ecosystem
Shawna Williams | Jul 5, 2022
A study traces the effects of a mite outbreak from the earth to the heavens.
stubbed-out cigarette with smoke rising from ashes
Damage to Brain Network Curbs Urge to Smoke
Shawna Williams | Jun 16, 2022
A study finds that injuries to certain areas of the brain were associated with quitting smoking more quickly, easily, and with no cravings.
teabag with green tag on a white background
Spilling the Tea: Insect DNA Shows Up in World’s Top Beverage
Shawna Williams | Jun 14, 2022
The Scientist speaks with Trier University’s Henrik Krehenwinkel, whose group recently detected traces of hundreds of arthropod species from a sample of dried plants—in this case, the contents of a tea bag.
3D printed ear chalk white icon on dark background
Patient Implanted with Live, 3D-Printed Tissue in Medical First
Shawna Williams | Jun 2, 2022
An ear made from the person’s own cells was surgically attached in March, the company behind the technology says.