Mary Beth Gardiner is a freelance science writer and editor based in Falls Church, Va. She was formerly editor-in-chief of the HHMI Bulletin and served as director of editorial operations at HHMI. She still writes and edits regularly for HHMI, as well as various academic research institutions and Science News for Students. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in biology and enjoyed working for several years in biomedical research before transitioning to science communications. She’s also a certified Virginia Master Naturalist and loves teaching students about the natural world.