The folks who ask "WHY?"

The Why Files, a project created by National Institute for Science Education and the National Science Foundation, is funded by the Graduate School, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Each week, we bring you a new story on the science (and math, engineering and technology) behind the news.

Terry Devitt, editor
As editor of The Why Files, Terry Devitt is known more for his bark than his bite. A 15-year veteran of the science writing game, he should, in dog years, be dead. A pulse notwithstanding, Devitt has covered numerous science stories ranging from discoveries of galaxies that smoke (don't try this at home) to the elucidation of the genes that govern the patterns of butterfly wings. His by-line has appeared in such venues as Astronomy, Orion and Electronic Learning. He's even written for The Why Files from time to time. His day job is as a science writer for the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Sarah Goforth, project assistant
A fallen biologist, Sarah Goforth is now a freelance science writer and graduate student in journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition to her stint assisting all things Why Files, Sarah has contributed to The Scientist, Science, and the Dallas Morning News. She is not a beetle, but she likes the ones that click.

	S.V. Medaris, designer / illustrator Creating graphics and raising chickens...if only life were that simple. Sue's been creating art for most of her life, and has illustrated for the Nature Conservancy, Pleasant Company, Isthmus, Ginkgo Press (illustrator of the 5 books in the "Eat Smart" series), Berbee and others. When she's not glued to her monitor at the Why Files, Sue teaches computer graphics at MATC, illustrates for a variety of clients, and of course, walks with the animals.

Darrell Schulte, webmaster
`Very good,'' I said coldly. ``In that case, tinkerty-tonk.'' And I meant it to sting.

Right Ho, Jeeves (1934)

David Tenenbaum, feature writer
has written about science, health and environment for ABCNEWS.com, Technology Review, BioScience, Environmental Health Perspectives, American Health and other publications. His background includes a fascination with science and technology, and a unique capacity to crash a computer. Unlike the classic nerd, he can actually swing a hammer: In 1996, MacMillan published his Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-free Home Repair. Want Dave's "two cents plain" web writing advice?

Amy Toburen, content development advisor
Separated from Lyle Lovett at birth, Amy has flitted around from job to job. Her duties here at the Files are shrouded in mystery, but it is well known that she has had several encounters with aliens. Amy has a lot of toys in her office.

Alums of The Why Files:

Yael Gen, graphic artist (inception to May 1999)
Joe Kallenberger, intern (January 1998 to unknown)
Susan Trebach, spiritual advisor (inception to October 1998)
Jenny Pearson, project assistant (August 2000 to August 2001)
Eric Zuelow, project assistant (May 1999 to August 2000, September 2001 to December 2001)
Pamela Jackson, project assistant (August 2001 to July 2002)