What was your first job as a journalist?
I was first tasked with contributing to the 2023 Science and Technology special section for the Columbia Missourian, an affiliate of Mizzou.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I have not.
How is social media changing news?
It's allowing news-makers unprecedented, more personalized access to their audiences and inviting collaboration for the betterment of news.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
My favorite depictions of journalists was of Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor (NYT) in the movie She Said. Though ot fictional, they are superb.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To collect and provide accurate, timely, and comprehensive information and analysis to citizens for the benefit of our political system.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
No compelling answer at this time.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Comprehensively and with belief in the importance of the matter at hand.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I am developing my skills in programs such as R, Python, SQL, node.js, JavaScript, QGIS and more. FOIA requests are also part of my job.
What's your favorite social network?
I really enjoy Twitter, somewhat to my own surprise. Being able to share information as the centerpiece of content is so much easier and fun.
Who do you wish followed you?
No compelling answer at the moment.
Why did you become a journalist?
I admire the mission of the profession and want to contribute to its up-keeping in this difficult time for the profession.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I did not work for my high school's newspaper.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I am most proud to have contributed to stories on transgender-issue debates and legislation in the 2023 Missouri Regular Session.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
At times I doubt myself and my potential for the field, and at other times it couldn't feel more right for me. Keep the faith.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Essentially whenever.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
N/A
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
N/A
What's your favorite drink?
Passion fruit Ciroc in essentially anything.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Out in the field prodding at best approaches.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I thoroughly enjoy reading the works ProPublica and Bellingcat. I also enjoy PBS Frontline immensely, though this is not reading.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That reporters are looking for merely what is most juicy and read-able when covering important political matters.
