With a deadly wasting disease killing West Coast starfish by the millions, Katie Campbell's story took views to Alaska where researchers are trying to determine whether starfish in colder waters might escape the die-off. "This piece was about far more than starfish," said judge David Baron, former science editor for PRI's "The World." "By showing how biologists painstakingly collect data to understand the natural world, the story beautifully demonstrates what it means to be a scientist." The judges praised the Gold Award winner as an excellent example of strong, local science reporting. "Being recognized by AAAS and Kavli is an incredible honor," Campbell said. "I'm ecstatic to be included among this elite group of science journalists. This award also brings well-earned recognition to the important work being done by researchers on the front lines of the massive sea star wasting epidemic."
