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David Kestenbaum

David Kestenbaum is a correspondent for NPR, covering science, energy issues and, most recently, the global economy for NPR's multimedia project Planet Money. David has been a science correspondent for NPR since 1999. He came to journalism the usual way — by getting a Ph.D. in physics first.

In his years at NPR, David has covered science's discoveries and its darker side, including the Northeast blackout, the anthrax attacks and the collapse of the New Orleans levees. He has also reported on energy issues, particularly nuclear and climate change.

David has won awards from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Physical Society and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

David worked briefly on the show This American Life, and set up a radio journalism program in Cambodia on a Fulbright fellowship. He also teaches a journalism class at Johns Hopkins University.

David holds a bachelor's of science degree in physics from Yale University and a doctorate in physics from Harvard University.

  • The panel investigating the Columbia disaster releases its final report on what caused the space shuttle to break up Feb. 1. The report confirms the theory that foam debris from the shuttle's fuel tank severely damaged the craft during liftoff. But it lays the ultimate blame on mismanagement at NASA, citing organizational and cultural shortcomings. Hear NPR's David Kestenbaum.
  • Congress opens its investigation into the cause of the largest electrical outage in U.S. history. Two other probes -- one by a joint U.S.-Canadian task force and the other by the North American Electric Reliability Council -- are already under way. Analysts express concern over possible conflicting recommendations. Hear NPR's David Kestenbaum.