✨ Why, hello there!

Just another science journalist kick-starting a channel of curious facts to stay connected with readers

Good ol’ Ben. Credit: GIPHY

👋 Hello! This is Curiosity Courier, a delivery of discoveries and fascinating factoids I’ve found while reporting my latest stories.

👩🏻 Who are you?

I’m Lauren! Or Lauren J. Young in most bylines… Or Laur to close friends and family… I’m a science journalist, editor, and multimedia producer based in New York City. But I’m still deeply connected to my hometown in the Central Valley, California and issues in the American West. Currently, you can find me editing and writing stories as an associate editor at Popular Science. And by night, I’m working behind the circulation desk at Gottesman Libraries at Teachers College, Columbia University. (Been a proud library worker since 2011!) Needless to say, science and libraries are my jam.

Me very enthusiastically browsing through archival audio for another fun newsletter series, Science Friday Rewind, that I started at public radio’s Science Friday. Credit: Lauren J. Young (yes, I somehow managed to take this pic myself, with lots of repositioning 😎)

🤔 What is this newsletter all about?

I decided to foray into the newsletter landscape after a former colleague and dear friend asked if I had one so she could still hear about the things I’ve been working on. I realized it could be a fun, creative endeavor to stay connected to folks, friends, and family who rather not partake in the at-times dismal universe of Twitter and other social media platforms where I've been primarily posting my stories… So! I’m using this space to casually share compelling threads and finds from my reporting adventures—from favorite fun facts to tidbits left on the cutting room floor. There might even be behind-the-scenes tales from the field. I also love sharing interesting reads and trends by other writers covering science, journalism, libraries, pop culture, video games, amusement park history, etc. I’ll also toss in some cool-looking science journalism opportunities, resources, and gigs that I stumble upon.

📬 How often are newsletters sent?

This will most likely be monthly for now—or as often as my schedule permits. So don’t worry, I won’t be spamming your inbox. This is mostly casual (semi-professional) fun. Plus, life stuff can get busy.

🤓 Join in on the geeky goodness!

If you like nerdy, silly, fascinating, mostly positive factoids and stories, I think you’ll enjoy yourself. Welcome to this mish mash of musings!

More soon!

💙 Lauren