Shawna Williams

Shawna Williams

Shawna joined The Scientist in 2017 and is now a senior editor and interim news editor. She holds a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Colorado College and a graduate certificate and 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 interim news editor, Shawna assigns, edits, and sometimes reports breaking news, opinion articles, and in-depth features for the website.

Articles by Shawna Williams
Chinchilla Supplier Loses License over Animal Welfare Violations
Chinchilla Supplier Loses License over Animal Welfare Violations
Shawna Williams | Oct 11, 2021
Moulton Chinchilla Ranch, the main US source of the animals for research, had a years-long history of disturbing findings in USDA inspections.
When Researchers Sound the Alarm on Problematic Papers
When Researchers Sound the Alarm on Problematic Papers
Shawna Williams | Sep 1, 2021
Finding and reporting an irregularity in a published study can lead people down an unexpected path.
Cell Biologist David Sabatini Fired for Sexual Harassment
Cell Biologist David Sabatini Fired for Sexual Harassment
Shawna Williams | Aug 22, 2021
The researcher, known for his work on the mTOR signaling pathway, is no longer with MIT’s Whitehead Institute or HHMI following an investigation into his conduct.
Marburg Virus Disease Detected in West Africa for First Time
Marburg Virus Disease Detected in West Africa for First Time
Shawna Williams | Aug 10, 2021
The finding of the Ebola-like disease, which killed a man in Guinea, has prompted public health measures.
Darby Saxbe Digs into Relationships’ Effects on Human Biology
Darby Saxbe Digs into Relationships’ Effects on Human Biology
Shawna Williams | Aug 1, 2021
In her current work, the University of Southern California psychologist is examining how the transition to fatherhood affects men’s brains.
CDC Warns of Person-to-Person Transmission of Resistant Fungus
CDC Warns of Person-to-Person Transmission of Resistant Fungus
Shawna Williams | Jul 26, 2021
In a first, patients who hadn’t been treated with antifungals were found to carry Candida auris impervious to all three available classes of the drugs.
Maria Leptin Appointed President of European Research Council
Maria Leptin Appointed President of European Research Council
Shawna Williams | Jul 7, 2021
The funding agency for basic research had been led by an interim president for more than a year.
Izzy Jayasinghe Harnesses Cutting-Edge Microscopy to Image Cells
Izzy Jayasinghe Harnesses Cutting-Edge Microscopy to Image Cells
Shawna Williams | Jul 1, 2021
The University of Sheffield researcher devises new protocols to gain molecular-level insights.
The Researchers Who Pivoted to COVID-19: One Year On
The Researchers Who Pivoted to COVID-19: One Year On
Shawna Williams | Jul 1, 2021
The Scientist checks in on scientists who switched gears to combat the pandemic.
<em>Wolbachia</em>-Infected Mosquitoes Stymie Dengue&rsquo;s Spread: Study
Wolbachia-Infected Mosquitoes Stymie Dengue’s Spread: Study
Shawna Williams | Jun 10, 2021
Randomized, controlled research conducted in an Indonesian city confirms the reduction in cases seen with previous observational work.