Corey S. Powell is an award-winning science journalist and editor currently spearheading OpenMind, a Pulitzer-supported platform combating scientific misinformation. With over 30 years' experience at outlets including Discover, Scientific American, and Aeon, Powell specializes in making complex scientific concepts accessible while maintaining academic rigor.
"The best science stories reveal how fundamental research transforms our daily lives and collective future."
Recent Honors: 2018 NASW Excellence Award, 2022 Pulitzer Center Grant, 2024 AAAS Journalism Fellow
Powell's journey began at Harvard University, where his 1988 thesis on solar physics foreshadowed his lifelong fascination with cosmic mysteries. His early work at Discover magazine (1990s-2012) established him as a voice for making cutting-edge science relatable, culminating in his 2012-2019 tenure as Editor-in-Chief. During this period, he oversaw major features on gravitational wave detection and exoplanet research while mentoring new science writers.
Key career phases include:
This 2023 deep dive into neutrino physics exemplifies Powell's ability to contextualize esoteric research. The article traces the particle's discovery history from 1930s theoretical predictions to modern neutrino observatories, explaining how these "ghost particles" revolutionized our understanding of nuclear physics and cosmology. Powell employs vivid analogies, comparing neutrino detection challenges to "identifying individual raindrops in a hurricane," while highlighting ongoing experiments like IceCube's Antarctic observatory.
What distinguishes this piece is its interweaving of historical narrative with current research implications. Powell connects neutrino studies to practical applications in nuclear nonproliferation monitoring and astrophysical observation techniques, demonstrating science's tangible societal impacts. The article's reception among physics educators led to its adaptation into multiple university course syllabi.
In this 2024 speculative piece, Powell examines the shift from biological to technological signatures in SETI research. He analyzes emerging methodologies like technosignature detection through atmospheric chemical analysis and deep learning algorithms applied to radio telescope data. The article stands out for its balanced critique of traditional SETI approaches while championing innovative detection strategies.
Powell grounds speculative concepts in current research, citing specific projects like Breakthrough Listen's machine learning pipeline and NASA's technosignature workshops. His interview with Avi Loeb regarding interstellar object 'Oumuamua provides concrete examples of how anomaly detection drives scientific progress. The piece sparked productive debates in astrobiology circles about prioritizing search parameters.
This 2021 investigative report combines planetary science with disaster preparedness analysis. Powell evaluates NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office capabilities, comparing asteroid deflection technologies like kinetic impactors and gravity tractors. The article's strength lies in its risk assessment framework, quantifying collision probabilities against mitigation timelines.
Notable inclusions are interviews with B612 Foundation researchers and declassified NASA/ESA defense演习 simulations. Powell's analysis of the 2029 Apophis close approach scenario demonstrates his knack for transforming theoretical models into urgent policy discussions. The piece directly influenced increased congressional funding for NEO surveillance programs in 2022.
Powell consistently seeks stories bridging multiple scientific domains, as seen in his neutrino piece connecting particle physics to cosmology. Successful pitches should identify underreported intersections - for example, how CRISPR technology impacts astrobiology research. Emphasize collaborative studies or emerging hybrid fields like quantum biology.
His analysis of 'Oumuamua's anomalies demonstrates a preference for paradigm-challenging research. Pitch studies that contradict established models, such as recent dark matter detection null results or unexpected exoplanet atmospheric compositions. Provide clear explanations of how these findings force methodological revisions.
Given Powell's OpenMind mission, he values meta-analyses of science communication itself. Pitch investigations into misinformation propagation patterns or evaluations of novel pedagogy tools. A recent successful pitch examined TikTok's impact on climate change understanding among Gen Z.
Awarded for his decade-long Discover editorship and groundbreaking science/religion reporting. The judges noted Powell's "unique capacity to elucidate contentious scientific debates without oversimplification." This recognition cemented his status among peers as a bridge-builder between academic and public science spheres.
This grant supports OpenMind's investigative work debunking medical misinformation. The selection committee praised Powell's innovative "myth-busting through narrative immersion" approach, which combines data journalism with documentary-style storytelling. The funding enabled deep dives into anti-vaccine network dynamics and climate change denial ecosystems.
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Science, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
