Karen Walsh
Principal Media & Communications Specialist, Media & Communications Office, Stakeholders Relations Office
Brookhaven National Laboratory
Stakeholders Relations Office
Bldg. 400C
P.O. Box 5000
Upton, NY 11973-5000
(631) 344-8350
kmcnulty@bnl.gov
Preferred Gender Pronouns (PGPs): she, her, hers
I write stories and press releases to share the science going on at Brookhaven National Laboratory with the world. I also work with external reporters at newspapers, TV stations, web-based content providers, and others to connect them with our scientists so they can share the Lab's work more widely.
My early career was dedicated to writing and editing science articles for children, in part to inspire a passion for science and appreciation for the scientific method, and also to help young readers become informed citizens and decision makers. Initially hired as Assistant Editor of Scholastic’s Science World classroom magazine, I rose to the rank of Editor, and later took positions as Managing Editor and Editor of Zillions, the children’s version of Consumer Reports. My writing for both publications has been recognized with numerous awards from the Educational Press Association of America.
I joined the staff at Brookhaven Lab in 1999 and have been tackling topics ranging from the intricate steps of DNA replication to subatomic particle smashups ever since. I'm lucky to be at Brookhaven Lab where there is no shortage of science — and amazing stories to tell.
Expertise | Education | Awards
Expertise
Principal Media & Communication Specialist, Brookhaven National Laboratory (1999 – present)
Write press releases, feature stories, and other content to convey the impact of research across a wide range of sciences from biology to nuclear physics; interview scientists; translate complex concepts into accessible language; pitch stories to external media and coordinate coverage; assist laboratory managers with strategic outreach; conduct annual science communication workshop for hundreds of on-site undergraduate and graduate student research interns; mentor other science writers at the Laboratory.
Editor (Managing Editor), Zillions magazine, Consumers Union (1997 – 1999)
Coordinated all editorial content for children’s version of Consumer Reports magazine; helped plan science-based product testing; assigned, edited, and wrote stories; collaborated with graphic designers; participated in radio and television interviews to publicize findings.
Editor (Senior, Associate, Assistant Editor), Science World magazine, Scholastic Inc. (1989 – 1997)
Assigned, edited, and wrote stories for bi-weekly science magazine used in middle schools and high schools around the country; collaborated with graphic designers; conducted school visits; coordinated lesson plans for associated Teacher’s Edition.
Writer, L.S. Inc., New York (1986 – 1988)
Analyzed, coded, and wrote lay-language summaries of biomedical research articles for database accessible to attorneys working on product-liability lawsuits.
Education
- M.A. with a Certificate in Journalism, Science & Environmental Reporting Program, New York University, February 1990
- B.A., Biology, Vassar College, General and Departmental Honors, Phi Beta Kappa, May 1986
Awards & Recognition
- Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), 2018
- Brookhaven Award, 2016, in recognition of performance and achievements that represent outstanding service to Brookhaven National Laboratory
- Series of “EdPress” Distinguished Achievement Awards, 1991-1998, for excellence in educational journalism
- Member National Association of Science Writers (NASW) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
- Served as judge for the National Association of Science Writers (NASW) Excellence in Institutional Writing Awards
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Mentor to interns/young science writers throughout tenure at Scholastic and at Brookhaven Lab
Brookhaven National Laboratory
Stakeholders Relations Office
Bldg. 400C
P.O. Box 5000
Upton, NY 11973-5000
(631) 344-8350
kmcnulty@bnl.gov
