What was your first job as a journalist?
I wrote my first story, a feature article covering research into imagery of exoplanets, during my internships at NASA.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes! It was long before I joined the professional world, though - my father had one leftover from his early career when I was a child.
How is social media changing news?
Social media has revolutionized we share news, but we must also take care that it does not muddy the waters of intent and truth.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Clark Kent
What does it mean to be a journalist?
George Orwell said it best: journalism is telling stories that the powers that be don't want told; everything else is public relations.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I can't recall specific hashtags, but the National Park Service's social media feeds are a never ending stream of hilarity.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer to have stories brought across my radar when they are fresh enough that I can really get on the beat early in the life cycle.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I'm a simple man - Word and Google Docs are good enough for drafting, while I also use things like Otter and Zoom for interviewing.
What's your favorite social network?
I'm becoming more and more fond of Threads all the time, as it is slowly building the community of X/Twitter without the baggage.
Who do you wish followed you?
I idolize science communicators like Brian Cox, Michelle Thaller, and Neil deGrasse Tyson. To even be recognized as a peer would be amazing.
Why did you become a journalist?
I grew up reading (and watching) science communication voraciously, and decided I wanted to emulate people like Carl Sagan.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I never did, actually. I'd always liked writing, but I never really started getting into it seriously until I was in college.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I worked on a story at NASA that I pitched, researched, wrote, and edited all about the mission that made me want to be a sci-writer.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Stay hungry, and do not be afraid to chase what you want - I wanted to work at NASA, and I ended up interning there for a year and a half!
When's the best time to pitch you?
Early afternoon, when I'm hungry for content and ready to get to work.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
While working at WashU, a faculty member brought me a story about "time travelling" quantum sensors, which is as amazing as it sounds.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Not really bad pitches, but there were a couple of stories at NASA that got permanently shelved because the mission in question was shelved.
What's your favorite drink?
If I'm not drinking water, the only thing I would have any interest in is root beer - preferably out of an old fashioned glass bottle.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Probably in a restaurant or spending time with friends. To be honest, though, I'm usually in front of my laptop!
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Scientific American
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Many people who follow the space sector assume that progress should be like it is in the movies, when the reality is much different.
