Ricki Lewis's career communicating science began with earning a Ph.D. in Genetics from Indiana University in 1980. It quickly blossomed into writing for newspapers and magazines and writing the introductory textbook Life. Since then, she has taught a variety of life science courses and has authored the textbook Human Genetics: Concepts and Applications and books about gene therapy, stem cells, and scientific discovery. She is a genetic counselor for a large medical practice, teaches a graduate online course in "Genethics" at Albany Medical College, and writes for Medscape Medical News, Genetic Literacy Project, Rare Disease Report, and medical journals. Ricki also writes the popular DNA Science blog at Public Library of Science and is a frequent public speaker.