What was your first job as a journalist?
I founded my high school's newspaper, The Prowl, and was its editor-in-chief until I graduated.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No, I think I just dated myself. It would be cool to take one for a spin, though!
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Anything from 1-2 sentences highlighting what you would like me to write about, to a paragraph, outline, and/or source list.
What's your favorite social network?
Quora. I'm more of a lurker though.
Who do you wish followed you?
Bill Gates, Anthony Fauci, WHO, CDC, NIH.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I was the founding editor-in-chief. We didn't have a school newspaper and I wanted to change that.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
My COVID series at the beginning of 2020, in which I used my pulmonary infectious diseases background to help clear up misconceptions.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Any time. There's just no guarantee I'll answer immediately, but it's always worth a shot.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I was asked to write about the pros and cons of vaccines. I couldn't think of any cons. Vaccinate your kids. No ifs, ands or buts.
What's your favorite drink?
Matcha frappucino or taro bubble tea
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The Atlantic
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That we think we know better than everyone else. We don't. I have no problem admitting where the evidence is lacking, or that I don't know.
