Wertheim received a Templeton Science and Religion Book Award for “Pythagoras’ Trousers,” which traces the history of the relationship between physics, religion and women. She also wrote “The Pearly Gates of Cyberspace,” which explores the religious connotations of cyberspace, and “Faith and Reason,” a one-hour PBS documentary that includes exclusive coverage of a recent Vatican conference on evolution.

Trained as a scientist with degrees in physics, mathematics and computer science, Wertheim has worked for 15 years as a science writer and commentator dedicated to making science accessible to the general public. Her articles have appeared in “New Scientist,” “Omni,” “Australian Geographic,” “Vogue” and “Glamour.”

Next in the Religion, Science and Public Policy Lecture Series at Bates will be Robert Russell, University of California, Berkeley, Center for Theology and Science, on “Science and the Spiritual Quest” March 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Edmund S. Muskie Archives.