Have you ever used a typewriter?
Sadly, no, not yet.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
The Reverend Sir Dr. Stephen T. Mos Def Colbert D.F.A., Heavyweight Champion of the World.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To hold the line of objective reality and accountability.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
With supporting material (data visualizations, methodology, abstract, summary, images, etc. depending on the subject of the pitch)
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
The grand ol'internet, books, libraries, word processor, pen & paper, dog hair.
What's your favorite social network?
Used to be Twitter, now it's BlueSky.
Why did you become a journalist?
It's a good occupation for continuous learning.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes. I contributed original essays.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
A four-decade retrospective of innovation in the U.S., gathered from patent data. I learned a whole lot while working on that article.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Research until you are sure.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Any time is fine. Accept that I don't usually get around to replying right away. Be kind to yourself, in spite of that sense of urgency.
What's your favorite drink?
Apple juice.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The Atlantic, The Economist
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That it's boring.
