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Amy Standen
QUEST Reporter
Amy Standen is a radio reporter for QUEST, KQED's science and environment show. She was born and raised in San Francisco, but cut her teeth in public radio at New York City's KPFA. Since then, she's been a producer on Pulse of the Planet, editor of Terrain Magazine and an editor at Salon, and a "roving reporter" for KALW's Philosophy Talk. These days, she reports features and news spots for KQED News and QUEST and contributes frequently to NPR.
A recipient of the James Madison Freedom of Information Award, Amy's work has also been recognized by the National Association of Public Radio News Directors and Northern California's Society of Professional Journalists.
Email Amy: astanden@kqed.org
Call Amy: (415) 553-2105
Stories (239 archives)
Chemistry by Smell
Blind people are consistently underrepresented in the workforce, but especially in the sciences. Experts say that's partly due to the fact that so much of early science education -- from labs and dissections to the periodic table of the elements -- is learned through visual-spatial lessons. The Lighthouse for the Blind held a first-ever chemistry camp for blind kids. The goal was to engage blind kids in the sciences by teaching chemistry through other senses, like touch and smell.
From Alvin to Robots: Changes in Ocean Science
Later this year an iconic instrument of science returns to the sea. Alvin, the submersible that found the Titanic and discovered countless new species at the bottom of the ocean will soon be exploring deeper depths. Ocean technology has come a long way since Alvin made its first dive in 1964. Increasingly, scientists are relying on robots, rather than manned submarines to explore the ocean. But when humans no longer put themselves at risk in the ocean depths, do we lose the thrill of exploration?
Diversifying Silicon Valley Starts With the Art of the Pitch
By one recent estimate, just 1 percent of technology entrepreneurs were African-American. Only 8 percent of tech companies were founded by women. Now, a program called NewME -- or New Media Entrepreneurship -- hopes to change those stats.
Diversity in the Valley: The NewME Accelerator Part II
Even during the economic downturn, innovators and entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley have found a way to get rich and change the world. But that success has left out large groups of people. This week we're back in Silicon Valley, with a program called NewME, or New Media Entrepreneurship. It's designed to encourage women and minorities to found technology companies. Seven participants from around the country shared a house in San Francisco for three months, got coached on their business plans -- and attempted to perfect the art of the pitch.
Remembering Those Who Built the Bridge
When the Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937, it was the longest suspension bridge ever built. And it was done in one of the world's most challenging settings. For the men who poured the concrete and drove in each steel rivet, it was a life-changing experience.
