About

I am a science writer and editor with experience spanning all levels of biology, from molecules to ecosystems. My writing has explored topics ranging from atherosclerosis and the biology of nutrition to the search for life on Mars and the ecology of cities.

I am currently the co-author of an innovative undergraduate biology textbook published by Scientific American/Macmillan, now in its fourth edition.

Before turning to writing, I was for 10 years a development editor at W. H. Freeman. I have a BA in biology from Wesleyan University and an MA in the history and sociology of science from the University of Pennsylvania.

In August 2022, I will begin a doctoral program in the history and philosophy of science at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ, where I will be affiliated with the Center for Biology and Society and the Embryo Project.

“Matt Tontonoz is a superb development editor, one of the best I’ve worked with.”  

—Harvey Lodish, MIT

“Working with Matt was both fun and efficient, and Matt deserves much of the credit for the positive response students have shown for this book.”

—Tony Bretscher, Cornell University

“If Matt can make me clear and interesting to students, he can do anything.”

—Photosynthesis