Maggie Koerth, born in 1981 and previously known as Maggie Koerth-Baker, is an American journalist specializing in science. Her career includes significant roles as a senior science editor at FiveThirtyEight and a monthly columnist for The New York Times Magazine, where she wrote the "Eureka" column. She also contributed to publications like Discover, Popular Science, and National Geographic.

Koerth began her career in journalism with an assistant editor role at Mental Floss. She co-authored the book "Be Amazing: Glow in the Dark, Control the Weather, Perform Your Own Surgery, Get Out of Jury Duty, Identify a Witch, Colonize a Nation, Impress a Girl, Make a Zombie, Start Your Own Religion" with Mental Floss co-founders. Later, she joined Boing Boing, focusing on science blogging and earning recognition for her ability to explain complex scientific topics clearly and engagingly. A notable piece on nuclear power operations, written after the Fukushima disaster, was included in "The Best Science Writing Online 2012."

Maggie Koerth has established a notable career in science journalism, demonstrating a talent for making complex subjects accessible to a broad audience. Her tenure as a senior science editor at FiveThirtyEight from 2016 to 2023 highlights her expertise in analyzing data-driven science stories. Prior to this, she served as a science editor for Boing Boing, where her blog posts, particularly those explaining intricate scientific concepts like nuclear power plant operations following the Fukushima Daiichi disaster, gained significant attention and were recognized for their clarity and engaging style. Her contributions have also appeared in respected publications such as Discover, Popular Science, New Scientist, Scientific American, and National Geographic.

Koerth's written works span various formats, including books and magazine columns. In 2012, she published "Before the Lights Go Out: Conquering the Energy Crisis Before It Conquers Us," a book that delves into the complexities of U.S. energy systems, obstacles to change, and alternative approaches. Her monthly column for The New York Times Magazine, titled "Eureka," commenced in August 2012 and focused on research at the intersection of science, technology, and culture, aimed at the general reader. Earlier in her career, she co-authored "Be Amazing: Glow in the Dark, Control the Weather, Perform Your Own Surgery, Get Out of Jury Duty, Identify a Witch, Colonize a Nation, Impress a Girl, Make a Zombie, Start Your Own Religion," a guide described as a "tongue-in-cheek self-improvement guide."

Maggie Koerth's contributions to journalism have been recognized with several accolades. In June 2014, she was selected as one of two Nieman-Berkman Fellows in journalism innovation at Harvard University, acknowledging her forward-thinking approach to the field. Further distinguishing her work, she received the American Meteorological Society's Award for Distinguished Science Journalism in the Atmospheric and Related Sciences in 2017. Esteemed science writer Carl Zimmer has lauded her as "one of the most innovative science writers at work today," underscoring her impact and originality in science communication.

“one of the most innovative science writers at work today.”

“a tongue-in-cheek self-improvement guide”