Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
@jjhoutman.bsky.social
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
Another woman we never learned about in school. May she rest in peace.
The Woman Whose Software Guided the Apollo Missions Has Died www.nytimes.com/2026/10/07/o...
The Woman Whose Software Guided the Apollo Missions Has Died www.nytimes.com/2026/10/07/o...
Margaret Hamilton, Whose Software Guided the Apollo Missions, Has Died
Margaret Hamilton, the first female programmer hired to work on the space project at M.I.T., was 90.
www.nytimes.com
October 8, 2026 at 2:15 AM
Another woman we never learned about in school. May she rest in peace.
The Woman Whose Software Guided the Apollo Missions Has Died www.nytimes.com/2026/10/07/o...
The Woman Whose Software Guided the Apollo Missions Has Died www.nytimes.com/2026/10/07/o...
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
Margaret Hamilton, the groundbreaking researcher who helped create the field of software engineering and whose code helped land NASA’s Apollo astronauts on the moon, has died. She was 90. https://cnn.it/4jI4LxB
October 8, 2026 at 12:21 AM
Margaret Hamilton, the groundbreaking researcher who helped create the field of software engineering and whose code helped land NASA’s Apollo astronauts on the moon, has died. She was 90. https://cnn.it/4jI4LxB
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
Canada is refusing to issue ISBNs to books primarily generated with AI.
This illustrates both the urgency of the problem of the growing flood of slop books, and also the toothlessness of addressing it on the honor system without there also being consequences for lying
This illustrates both the urgency of the problem of the growing flood of slop books, and also the toothlessness of addressing it on the honor system without there also being consequences for lying
October 7, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Canada is refusing to issue ISBNs to books primarily generated with AI.
This illustrates both the urgency of the problem of the growing flood of slop books, and also the toothlessness of addressing it on the honor system without there also being consequences for lying
This illustrates both the urgency of the problem of the growing flood of slop books, and also the toothlessness of addressing it on the honor system without there also being consequences for lying
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
Pikachu plushie spent 67 days in space www.popsci.com/science/pika...
Pikachu spent 67 days in space
To celebrate World Space Week, the ESA and Pokémon are joining forces.
www.popsci.com
October 6, 2026 at 6:26 PM
Pikachu plushie spent 67 days in space www.popsci.com/science/pika...
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
Added this wonderful anecdone from physicist Joanne Hewett, who was a postdoc at UW-Madison when Halzen first got the idea for IceCube. (1/2) "We went to lunch on a cold winter day at the student union, as usual, and sat next to the window looking out over frozen Lake Mendota," she recalled.
Inordinately pleased about this year's Nobel Prize in Physics. Francis Halzen is an immigrant (originally from Belgium), a visionary physicist, and also an all-around mensch. I like to see good people winning well-deserved recognition. Also, neutrinos are awesome. arstechnica.com/science/2026...
Neutrino physicist wins 2026 Nobel Physics Prize
Francis Halzen of University of Wisconsin-Madison led development of IceCube Neutrino Observatory.
arstechnica.com
October 6, 2026 at 6:35 PM
Added this wonderful anecdone from physicist Joanne Hewett, who was a postdoc at UW-Madison when Halzen first got the idea for IceCube. (1/2) "We went to lunch on a cold winter day at the student union, as usual, and sat next to the window looking out over frozen Lake Mendota," she recalled.
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
I don’t care where you started out on the political spectrum
If your kid comes out as trans & you don’t become a rainbow-clad, parade-cheering ally & rock-solid supportive girl/boy/enby dad/mom?
You were never a parent at all
You were a doll collector furious they didn’t stay in their packaging.
If your kid comes out as trans & you don’t become a rainbow-clad, parade-cheering ally & rock-solid supportive girl/boy/enby dad/mom?
You were never a parent at all
You were a doll collector furious they didn’t stay in their packaging.
October 5, 2026 at 3:21 PM
I don’t care where you started out on the political spectrum
If your kid comes out as trans & you don’t become a rainbow-clad, parade-cheering ally & rock-solid supportive girl/boy/enby dad/mom?
You were never a parent at all
You were a doll collector furious they didn’t stay in their packaging.
If your kid comes out as trans & you don’t become a rainbow-clad, parade-cheering ally & rock-solid supportive girl/boy/enby dad/mom?
You were never a parent at all
You were a doll collector furious they didn’t stay in their packaging.
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
Come work with me!!!
BOOM! is hiring a full-time comic editor to the team! This role doesn’t report to me so I won’t be heavily involved in the hiring process, but our whole team is amazing and you’ll get to work with all of us!
www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/44...
BOOM! is hiring a full-time comic editor to the team! This role doesn’t report to me so I won’t be heavily involved in the hiring process, but our whole team is amazing and you’ll get to work with all of us!
www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/44...
Editor, BOOM! Studios Open to Remote (Open to Remote) at Penguin Random House — New York, NY | LinkedIn Jobs
Apply for Editor, BOOM! Studios Open to Remote (Open to Remote) at Penguin Random House in New York, NY. Full-time Mid-Senior level role. See responsibilities, qualifications, and similar jobs on Link...
www.linkedin.com
October 6, 2026 at 1:28 AM
Come work with me!!!
BOOM! is hiring a full-time comic editor to the team! This role doesn’t report to me so I won’t be heavily involved in the hiring process, but our whole team is amazing and you’ll get to work with all of us!
www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/44...
BOOM! is hiring a full-time comic editor to the team! This role doesn’t report to me so I won’t be heavily involved in the hiring process, but our whole team is amazing and you’ll get to work with all of us!
www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/44...
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
My Minnesota friends have already seen this, but I keep thinking about it and want more people outside our state to, too.
This is the Stolen Neighbors Quilt. Each of the 11,000 squares represents a person taken by ICE in Minnesota.
October 3, 2026 at 5:14 PM
My Minnesota friends have already seen this, but I keep thinking about it and want more people outside our state to, too.
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
The 988 suicide prevention hotline's Press 3 option — which provides specialized services to LGBTQ callers — has been restored more than a year after the Trump administration shut it down. Confirmed by HHS and the office of Senator Tammy Baldwin, who led on legislation that forced its restoration
September 30, 2026 at 9:09 PM
The 988 suicide prevention hotline's Press 3 option — which provides specialized services to LGBTQ callers — has been restored more than a year after the Trump administration shut it down. Confirmed by HHS and the office of Senator Tammy Baldwin, who led on legislation that forced its restoration
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
I swear
When times get tough, Great British Baking Show helps
Predictable yet unpredictable.
People are kind.
You can stop watching for 10 mins and know where you are.
A happy uncomplicated space w/a great “we’re all in this together” vibe
Eternally grateful for getting me thru the pandemic & DJT
When times get tough, Great British Baking Show helps
Predictable yet unpredictable.
People are kind.
You can stop watching for 10 mins and know where you are.
A happy uncomplicated space w/a great “we’re all in this together” vibe
Eternally grateful for getting me thru the pandemic & DJT
September 27, 2026 at 10:11 PM
I swear
When times get tough, Great British Baking Show helps
Predictable yet unpredictable.
People are kind.
You can stop watching for 10 mins and know where you are.
A happy uncomplicated space w/a great “we’re all in this together” vibe
Eternally grateful for getting me thru the pandemic & DJT
When times get tough, Great British Baking Show helps
Predictable yet unpredictable.
People are kind.
You can stop watching for 10 mins and know where you are.
A happy uncomplicated space w/a great “we’re all in this together” vibe
Eternally grateful for getting me thru the pandemic & DJT
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
I’ve been reporting on the CDC for years, and have written about many of its troubles over the past year. I was still shocked by the extent of the staff losses and political interference I found when reporting this one.
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/26/h...
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/26/h...
‘Zombified’ C.D.C., Hobbled by Cuts, Struggles to Fulfill Scientific Mission (Gift Article)
The agency has lost its independence and nearly a third of its staff, as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and associates have tightened control.
www.nytimes.com
September 26, 2026 at 1:15 PM
I’ve been reporting on the CDC for years, and have written about many of its troubles over the past year. I was still shocked by the extent of the staff losses and political interference I found when reporting this one.
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/26/h...
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/26/h...
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
From 16,000 to 185 to Zero.
The Trump admin claimed as many as 16,000 noncitizens had been registered to vote in Nevada.
Then DHS came back and said the number was actually 185.
This week, Nevada told the admin every single person on the list was a lawful citizen.
The Trump admin claimed as many as 16,000 noncitizens had been registered to vote in Nevada.
Then DHS came back and said the number was actually 185.
This week, Nevada told the admin every single person on the list was a lawful citizen.
www.nytimes.com
September 25, 2026 at 11:10 PM
From 16,000 to 185 to Zero.
The Trump admin claimed as many as 16,000 noncitizens had been registered to vote in Nevada.
Then DHS came back and said the number was actually 185.
This week, Nevada told the admin every single person on the list was a lawful citizen.
The Trump admin claimed as many as 16,000 noncitizens had been registered to vote in Nevada.
Then DHS came back and said the number was actually 185.
This week, Nevada told the admin every single person on the list was a lawful citizen.
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
The Man Who Saved The World. May his memory be a blessing.
September 25, 2026 at 11:15 PM
The Man Who Saved The World. May his memory be a blessing.
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
Are you a journalist covering the midterms? Join Votebeat's Expert Desk to get FREE resources and on-the-record access to experts who know what they're talking about. @ire.org
Sign up here: electionexpertdesk.org/t
Sign up here: electionexpertdesk.org/t
September 25, 2026 at 6:06 PM
Are you a journalist covering the midterms? Join Votebeat's Expert Desk to get FREE resources and on-the-record access to experts who know what they're talking about. @ire.org
Sign up here: electionexpertdesk.org/t
Sign up here: electionexpertdesk.org/t
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
We (civil engineers) take this shit *extremely* seriously. My grumpiest, most disciplinary take is that I've always been deeply uncomfortable with CS calling itself "engineering" because -- individuals as exceptions, of course -- it does /not/ have a safety and ethics culture.
Reminder that in Canada upon becoming an engineer you get an iron ring made of a collapsed bridge, purposely designed to be uncomfortable, to remind you that your ethics demand you give a fuck even about the boring grudgework of such as double-checking your math.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Ring
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Ring
September 25, 2026 at 4:18 AM
We (civil engineers) take this shit *extremely* seriously. My grumpiest, most disciplinary take is that I've always been deeply uncomfortable with CS calling itself "engineering" because -- individuals as exceptions, of course -- it does /not/ have a safety and ethics culture.
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
If a Government needs to remind their citizens to love their country with tv ads, it’s pretty clear that they have failed in all other actions to garner said love and patriotism.
September 25, 2026 at 12:31 AM
If a Government needs to remind their citizens to love their country with tv ads, it’s pretty clear that they have failed in all other actions to garner said love and patriotism.
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
If you want to learn more about misophonia, this is a great read. If you are going to be a dick about misophonia in my mentions, I will block you.
The Unbearable Loudness of Chewing
Why do some people find certain sounds intolerable? And why has it taken so long for scientists to get even a preliminary answer?
asteriskmag.com
September 24, 2026 at 6:30 PM
If you want to learn more about misophonia, this is a great read. If you are going to be a dick about misophonia in my mentions, I will block you.
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
PLEASE ask me for my article! It's always a thrill to know that someone wants to read it, and I hate that knowledge is gatekept like this. Not only do we not get paid if you pay the fee, but we have to pay the journal thousands of dollars for the "privilege" of making it open-access (not paywalled)
Have you ever tried to read a scientific journal article and been told “you don’t have access, pay to download this article?”
Did you know that the author of that article gets $0 if you pay?
Instead, you can email the author and ask for a free copy! I’d be delighted to help and answer questions!
Did you know that the author of that article gets $0 if you pay?
Instead, you can email the author and ask for a free copy! I’d be delighted to help and answer questions!
September 24, 2026 at 1:36 PM
PLEASE ask me for my article! It's always a thrill to know that someone wants to read it, and I hate that knowledge is gatekept like this. Not only do we not get paid if you pay the fee, but we have to pay the journal thousands of dollars for the "privilege" of making it open-access (not paywalled)
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
We @kff.org pulled public drug prices from peer countries to compare to TrumpRx.gov. Results here: www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/how-tr...
September 24, 2026 at 1:31 PM
We @kff.org pulled public drug prices from peer countries to compare to TrumpRx.gov. Results here: www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/how-tr...
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
It’s the anniversary of Mary Church Terrell’s birth. The Library of Congress is home to her papers, which highlight her work as an educator, lecturer, suffragist, and civil rights activist.
Explore them. ⬇️
www.loc.gov/collections/...
Explore them. ⬇️
www.loc.gov/collections/...
September 23, 2026 at 3:15 PM
It’s the anniversary of Mary Church Terrell’s birth. The Library of Congress is home to her papers, which highlight her work as an educator, lecturer, suffragist, and civil rights activist.
Explore them. ⬇️
www.loc.gov/collections/...
Explore them. ⬇️
www.loc.gov/collections/...
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
What's behind this tidal wave of epidemics? In the largest study ever conducted on emerging infectious diseases, we show that the popular explanation - "our relationship with nature is out of balance" - doesn't hold up. Out now in Nature, after half a decade of work: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
The anthropogenic fingerprint on emerging infectious diseases - Nature
Emerging infectious disease outbreak risks are ubiquitous worldwide, and highest in landscapes where people, livestock and fragmented natural ecosystems coexist, but detection and data ...
www.nature.com
September 23, 2026 at 3:07 PM
What's behind this tidal wave of epidemics? In the largest study ever conducted on emerging infectious diseases, we show that the popular explanation - "our relationship with nature is out of balance" - doesn't hold up. Out now in Nature, after half a decade of work: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
PA / Lancaster County area—help me launch a book on October 6th at Aaron’s Books in Lititz at 6pm!
IT CAME FROM THE CREEK is a middle grade book described (by me) as “if ME AND MARVIN GARDENS and ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES had a kid.”
IT CAME FROM THE CREEK is a middle grade book described (by me) as “if ME AND MARVIN GARDENS and ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES had a kid.”
September 21, 2026 at 1:25 AM
PA / Lancaster County area—help me launch a book on October 6th at Aaron’s Books in Lititz at 6pm!
IT CAME FROM THE CREEK is a middle grade book described (by me) as “if ME AND MARVIN GARDENS and ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES had a kid.”
IT CAME FROM THE CREEK is a middle grade book described (by me) as “if ME AND MARVIN GARDENS and ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES had a kid.”
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
Still patiently waiting to be "left behind" by AI rather than it chasing me across every damn space like a slasher in a low budget flick.
September 9, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Still patiently waiting to be "left behind" by AI rather than it chasing me across every damn space like a slasher in a low budget flick.
Reposted by Jacqueline Houtman, PhD
Oh to be a little Tardigrade walking around a microscopic volvox algae colony. 🫧🐻🧪
September 18, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Oh to be a little Tardigrade walking around a microscopic volvox algae colony. 🫧🐻🧪