Bio

Jacob Berkowitz is an author, science writer and performer who lives in Almonte, Ontario (pop. 3000, 30-minutes west of Ottawa). His writing combines a life-long passion for science and storytelling.
Through Quantum Writing, the science writing boutique he created in 2000, Berkowitz popularizes the work of leading scientists at major research-based organizations in Canada and the United States.

Berkowitz’ freelance journalism credits during the past 15 years include stories in newspapers and magazines across Canada. His writing ranges from a first-person feature on social trends in vasectomy, to how our view of the universe is shaped by the way NASA colors images from the Hubble Space Telescope.

In 1996, while working at the Canadian Museum of Nature, he saw his first coprolite, a piece of fossil poop. The words “Jurassic Poop” appeared in his mind’s eye. He laughed and thought, “That would make a cool book!” Ten years later it did.

Berkowitz likes writing books about topics that at one time were pooh-poohed, whether fossil poop, the search for Earth-like planets around other stars, or critter crossings – passageways for wild animals to safely cross the road.

Berkowitz also loves theatre and performing. He’s written and performed a one-man show called Israel. He’s also produced book-related shows that he tours to schools, libraries, museums and anywhere else they’ll fit. In the Mysterious Case of Who Dung It? he plays Chief Bottom, Dung Detective. In the Lost Alien Show he teams-up with a one-eyed alien puppet named Ambrosia. He’s amazed at the things that come out of his brain, and her mouth.

Berkowitz finds writing a sometimes lonely profession that ironically involves reflecting on the human condition while in near monastic isolation. So he’s always keen on opportunities for creative collaboration and travel.

The Berkowitz Clan

(by Ottawa artist Andrew King)
p.s. My wife Rosemary is a painter