He has written for The New York Times Magazine, Mental Floss, Slate, Psychology Today, and The New Scientist.

He has also published six books which discuss scientific discoveries in a narrative style.

He studied Physics and English Literature at the University of Minnesota and later earned a master's degree in Library Science from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.[2] Kean is the editor for the 18th edition of The Best American Science and Nature Writing and has been featured on National Public Radio shows Radiolab, Science Friday, All Things Considered, and Fresh Air.

[2] Sam Kean's work has earned the title of a New York Times bestselling author and various awards and recognition.

In 2013 and 2015, The Violinist’s Thumb and The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons respectively, were both nominated for the PEN/E.O Wilson award and the AAAS/Subaru prize.