Elizabeth Quill

Elizabeth Quill

Executive Editor, 2015-2024

Elizabeth Quill is former executive editor of Science News. During two periods at the magazine, from 2008 to 2013 and again from 2015 to 2024, she edited stories and special projects on topics ranging from public health to AI, from climate change to quantum physics. She managed the SN 10: Scientists to Watch list and the Century of Science project and served as editorial coordinator for the Science News Learning program. Originally from the Finger Lakes region of New York, Elizabeth studied journalism at Ithaca College and received her master’s degree in science writing from MIT.

All Stories by Elizabeth Quill

  1. Artificial Intelligence

    A new book tackles AI hype – and how to spot it

    In AI Snake Oil, two computer scientists set us straight on the power and limits of AI and offer advice for moving forward.

  2. Scientific meetings — it’s nice to see you again

    Executive editor Elizabeth Quill discusses the importance of covering scientific meetings.

  3. Life

    These science discoveries from 2022 could be game changers

    Gophers that farm, the earliest known hominid, a strange hybrid monkey and the W boson's mass are among the findings awaiting more evidence.

  4. Computing

    Huijia Lin proved that a master tool of cryptography is possible

    Cryptographer Huijia Lin showed that the long-sought “indistinguishability obfuscation” is secure from data attacks.

  5. Science & Society

    How we got from Gregor Mendel’s pea plants to modern genetics

    Philosopher Yafeng Shan explains how today's understanding of inheritance emerged from a muddle of ideas at the turn of the 20th century.

  6. Looking back on science can refocus our attention

    Special projects editor Elizabeth Quill shares her thoughts on how the history of science can help us sharpen our focus on its future.

  7. Cosmology

    Einstein’s theory of general relativity unveiled a dynamic and bizarre cosmos

    Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity foretold space-bending beasts, cosmic shock waves and mysterious forces.

  8. Physics

    Monika Schleier-Smith leads elaborate quantum conversations

    Monika Schleier-Smith forces atoms to interact in ways that could offer insights into quantum computing, precision timekeeping and perhaps black holes.

  9. Chemistry

    150 years on, the periodic table has more stories than it has elements

    The organized rows and columns of the Periodic Table hide a rich and twisting history.

  10. Health & Medicine

    Though often forgotten, the placenta has a huge role in baby’s health

    Recent research in mice suggests that a lot of early problems in the embryo may actually have roots in the placenta.

  11. Science & Society

    In play, kids and scientists take big mental leaps

    Acting Editor in Chief Elizabeth Quill explores the science behind children's play and how kids like to mimic the same things adults do.

  12. Science & Society

    Memory remains elusive, but the search continues

    Acting Editor in Chief Elizabeth Quill explores the history of memory and scientists' search for its physical trace in our brains.