Stephen Ornes
About Stephen Ornes
Stephen Ornes is a Writer In Residence at Vanderbilt University and an accomplished science writer, contributing to various publications and mentoring aspiring writers.
Current Roles at Vanderbilt University
Stephen Ornes currently serves as the Writer In Residence at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. In this role, he engages with the academic community, providing expertise in communicating complex scientific ideas to both students and faculty. His extensive background in science communications supports his contributions to the university's initiatives in making science accessible and engaging to a broader audience.
Previous Role at Vanderbilt University
From 2012 to 2021, Stephen Ornes was a Senior Lecturer in Science Communications at Vanderbilt University. During his nine-year tenure, he taught courses aimed at enhancing students' abilities to effectively communicate scientific concepts. His role involved developing curricula that bridged the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding, an essential skill for researchers and scientists.
Freelance Writing and Contributions
Stephen Ornes is an independent science and math writer, contributing to multiple publications. He currently works as a freelance writer for Science News for Students, and as a researcher and contributor for Cancer Today magazine. Additionally, he contributes to Discover Media and regularly writes for Quanta Magazine, focusing on enhancing public understanding of science. His freelance work is characterized by a commitment to clear and accessible scientific writing.
Educational Background
Stephen Ornes holds multiple degrees that support his expertise in science writing and communication. He earned a Master's degree in Science Writing from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) between 2005 and 2006. Prior to that, he completed a Master's degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Missouri-Columbia from 2001 to 2003. His foundational education includes a BA in English and a BS in Physics from Southern Methodist University, completed between 1992 and 1996.
Authored Works and Recognition
Stephen Ornes is the author of 'Math Art: Truth, Beauty, and Equations,' a book exploring the intersection of mathematics and art. His writing has earned significant recognition, including receiving the 2017 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Award. Ornes has also delivered a TEDx talk on the importance of communicating complex scientific ideas to the general public. His work frequently covers mathematical patterns in nature, such as fractals and symmetry.
Mentorship and Public Engagement
Stephen Ornes serves as a mentor for aspiring science writers through the National Association of Science Writers (NASW) mentoring program. He has appeared as a guest on several science podcasts, where he discusses topics ranging from quantum mechanics to the mathematics of everyday life. His commitment to public engagement is reflected in his efforts to make science more accessible and interesting to a wide audience.