Dianna Cowern

Science Video Creator, Tweeting about #LongCOVID as @diannahaze, MIT Physics, Forbes 30u30

[Dianna Cowern @thephysicsgirl]

This #scicomm tip is free:

I write a lot of my video scripts by telling the story to a friend or family member, and recording it on a voice memo. Then I transcribe that, and remove 14 "likes" 20 "ums" and 23 "so cools."

[Dianna Cowern @thephysicsgirl]

😂

[Dianna Cowern @thephysicsgirl]

Welp. I broke my wrist. I can’t catch a break… 😏

I suspect that after being bedbound for two years, my bone density is low. Can that happen??

[Dianna Cowern @thephysicsgirl]

@andyweirauthor CANNOT WAIT!

[Dianna Cowern @thephysicsgirl]

Two days ago, my dad William “Bill” Cowern passed away somewhat unexpectedly. I flew last minute to Hawaii to be with him and my family for his last days. I feel incredibly lucky to be healthy enough I could finally see him after years of missing him. My dad was joking, and swearing, and crying until his last moments. You asked how he was doing and he replied with a smile, “I’m dyin’ here!” His humor and warmth were a gift he gave until the very end.

Some of you might know my dad from my videos talking about getting hit by lightning (twice!) or interrupting our filming to ask me why his PDF was printing small. (Holiday time was always dad tech support time.)

But I knew him as a 6’3 gentle giant. He gave the biggest bear hugs as he welcomed anyone and everyone into his home, and into his life. He was curious about people and the universe. He’s the reason I love science, math, qnd scifi. He’s the reason I’m curious about the world.

He was a Vietnam war helicopter pilot in the Marines. But much of the island of Kauai (where I grew up) knew him as “The Tree Man.” He was a tree farmer, and true tree lover his whole life. He could talk to you endlessly, and humorously slowly, about trees, vitamin D, Larry Bird, or one of his many other obsessions. He just loved to share. He shared his knowledge, his kindness, his stories, and his warm love with everyone.

I will miss him every day. He was the reason I went into science communication. I hope even half of his warmth and greatness lives on through me, my 4 wonderful siblings, and my amazing mom.

I love you forever, Dad. 🖤💔🖤

[Dianna Cowern @thephysicsgirl]

What’s the most interesting science I missed over the last 2 years??

[Tobias @992tobias]

@thephysicsgirl Dianna, you held my story like it was yours. Thank you for giving it a voice and for being a light when things felt unbearably dark 💜

[Dianna Cowern @thephysicsgirl]

I made a new video about the status of my health. I’m finally talking and walking!

And thank you to my friend @992tobias for letting me share his ME/CFS story, too.

https://t.co/FaTP3MJpG3

[Tobias @992tobias]

You made this, D! (@thephysicsgirl)
You gave my pain a voice and wrapped it in love. Thank you for your friendship, for the love you, Kyle, and Levi give so effortlessly, and for being home in human form. I’m beyond grateful 💜 #MECFS #LongCOVID
https://t.co/bUV7XTQk20

[Dianna Cowern @thephysicsgirl]

@epenser @AirZeroG Omg I would love to. If I could travel. Maybe one day!!

[Dianna Cowern @thephysicsgirl]

I want to start making videos again. I don’t even know where to start. I’m a lost science puppy

[Dianna Cowern @thephysicsgirl]

@diegolicenciado Crazy!!

[Dianna Cowern @thephysicsgirl]

Whoa pretty long earthquake just now in San Diego

[Dianna Cowern @thephysicsgirl]

Kyle tells me my hair is the envy of every 90s tween boy 😒😅

[Dianna Cowern @thephysicsgirl]

I’m still getting used to having short hair. I keep running my hands through “ghost hair” that’s not there, looking like a weirdo 🤣 But at least I got the blonde back!

[Dianna Cowern @thephysicsgirl]

@cottagescape @alieward @Ologies I’m ok. Thanks for asking. Not back to my previous baseline but feeling ok. I started playing the piano again! So that’s progress? I think? I still can’t really read. 😢 it’s weird what things my body/mind lets me do and not do