What was your first job as a journalist?
In college, it was working at my university's newspaper. Out of college, it's my job at the Daily Progress.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, and I own one.
How is social media changing news?
It moves very quickly, which can often lead to misinformation and confusion. But it has the potential to keep people up to date in real time.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
I'll have to go with Clark Kent because I've been told many times that I look like him (it's the hair and the glasses).
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Being a journalist means accurately, thoroughly and effectively informing your audience about the world around them.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
Can't think of one off the top of my head.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email usually works, and it has to be something related to beat or coverage area. Otherwise, I'll ignore it.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I use my iPhone and laptop for almost everything, but also fall back on a DSLR and Adobe software for photo, audio, video, etc.
What's your favorite social network?
Probably Twitter or Instagram.
Who do you wish followed you?
I can't think of anyone.
Why did you become a journalist?
I tried it out in college and liked it, so I kept at it.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I did, and I was a reporter one year and the editor-in-chief the next year.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Anything that highlights the views and experiences of people who feel left out of the usual coverage, but have stories worth sharing.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Be confident, curious and willing to learn from your mistakes.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Any time of the day.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I've had several and can't think of just one off the top of my head.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Anything that has nothing to do with my beat.
What's your favorite drink?
An old fashioned.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Ideally, I'm outdoors.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The Washington Post.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That it's made of fluff pieces and not as important as other beats in the newsroom.
