A bit about me

I am a journalist specialising in science and technology. I have reported on mind-reading devices, artificial intelligence and prime numbers, amongst many other things. I have broken many news stories, including when video gaming disorder was about to become officially recognised and a huge data leak at the Cambridge Psychometrics Centre. And I have interviewed amazing people, such as David Attenborough, Demis Hassabis and Kate Crawford.

I am New Scientist's Deputy US Editor, jointly responsible for setting up and running the New York bureau. I also co-host New Scientist's weekly podcast and edit the popular newsletter Lost in Space-Time. Previously, I ran New Scientist's diversity internship scheme, was Comment and Culture Editor, and before that Technology News Editor.

I have written two popular science books about mathematics. One is a radical retelling of the history of mathematics and the other is about how mathematics is used today. I have a masters in mathematics and a PhD in computer science. I regularly appear on WNYC's Science Friday, a radio show and podcast with millions of listeners. I am an experienced public speaker and enjoy hosting events and talks.

A few highlights


Books

The Secret Lives of Numbers

I’ve co-authored a book with the incredible historian of mathematics Tomoko L. Kitagawa. It is a "a revisionist, completely accessible and radically inclusive history of maths" according to the nice folks at Penguin.
Available for purchase here: UK, US.

New Book Project
Podcasts

New Scientist Weekly

I am currently overseeing New Scientist's podcasts, including co-hosting the flagship weekly news round-up show New Scientist Weekly with Christie Taylor.
You can listen to the show on your favourite podcast app.

Demmis Hassibis
Podcast

Escape Pod

To help people through lockdown I was one of the hosts of a weekly podcast called Escape Pod. It was a virus-free zone dedicated to a fascination and love of science. A few of my favourite episodes featured music, Hilbert’s infinite hotel and unsung heroes. May one day return for a second season soon.

Escape Pod
Book

Another book

Remarkably, there are still a few copies of my debut book Man vs Maths (2016, Aurum Press) remaining. It’s a light-hearted tour through modern mathematics and it is beautifully illustrated by Joe Lyward. You can pick up copies from most good book shops and online.

Old Book Project

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