The study of human origins is changing rapidly, not only in what we know but in how we come to know it. Much of our knowledge about early humans has come from slow, painstaking study, but this field also holds plenty of surprises based on new evidence and new methods. What can a mere science-adjacent writer do to help the interested public keep track of it all?

Sandra J. Ackerman, a Contributing Editor to American Scientist Magazine, discussed some of the challenges and rewards that come with writing about human evolution for nonspecialist readers.

Moderator: Briana Pobiner, paleoanthropologist and educator at Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

This Zoom webinar with Sandra J. Ackerman aired live on May 22, 2025 as part of the ongoing "HOT (Human Origins Today) Topic" series.