Resume

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

American University January 2018 – Present

Adjunct Instructor

● Teaches Writing for Communication course focusing on the fundamentals of writing for mass media

● Introduces freshmen and sophomore students to different communications professions

● Develops lesson plans and assignments on print, broadcast and online news writing, as well as public relations writing

● Teaches basics of reporting, media ethics and media law

American University October 2016 – Present

Student Media Adviser

● Advises 10 student media organizations, including the campus newspaper, TV station and magazines

● Conducts writing/reporting workshops to teach student journalists writing, reporting, media ethics, media law, etc.

● Leads critique sessions to review the quality of writing/reporting for students’ print and online stories

● Works with student leaders to organize panels/workshops featuring media professionals from the Washington, D.C., region

● Helps student editors navigate difficult ethical and legal issues

● Conducts one-on-one writing critiques to media students interested in pursuing journalism careers

● Conducts cover letter writing sessions to help students improve their marketability to media employers

● Works closely with faculty at the School of Communication to build a strong connection between the school and student media at AU

N/A October 2016 – Present

Freelance Journalist

● Contributed writing and reporting for Center for Public Integrity environmental investigative series

● Wrote election-related story for local publication DCist

● File public records requests with local, state and federal agencies

inewsource/KPBS August 2015 – October 2016

Reporter

● Reports and writes enterprise/investigative stories about issues in the San Diego region

● Writes and produces radio spots/features and TV packages for broadcast on KPBS, the local NPR/PBS affiliate

● Appears on KPBS TV segments and weekly Roundtable discussions to talk about stories

● Works closely with editors and other reporters to conceptualize projects

The Center for Public Integrity September 2012 – July 2015

Reporter

● Wrote enterprise/investigative stories about corporate propaganda for the Center's "Misinformation Industry" project

● Served as the lead reporter on an investigative series about industry-regulated food additives

● Covered the impact of unprecedented outside political spending on 2012 state Supreme Court races

● Served as the lead reporter on an investigative project about judicial education seminars sponsored by large corporations

Duquesne University August 2011 – May 2012
Adjunct Instructor
● Taught News Writing 1, an intro-level journalism course
● Taught undergraduate students the fundamentals of news writing and reporting
● Helped students develop story ideas, as well as guided them through the writing and editing process
● Taught the basics of media law and ethics
● Fact checked and graded students’ stories
● Submitted the best stories from class to the student newspaper for publication
● Co-led an International Media trip to Europe, taking nine students to various media outlets in Paris,
Dusseldorf and Amsterdam

Pittsburgh City Paper June 2007 – May 2012

News Writer

● Wrote in-depth, enterprise news features and briefs

● Developed original story ideas through interviews, research and records requests

● Updated breaking news stories for the paper’s news blog, Slag Heap

● Awarded first place by the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania for investigative story on the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority

● Awarded first place by the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania in the “health/medical” category for story on child-bipolar disorder

Valley News Dispatch May 2007 – June 2007

News Intern

● Wrote news and feature stories

● Fact checked and proofread news stories

The Duquesne Duke August 2005 – April 2007

Assistant Features Editor (Fall 2005)

Features Editor (Spring 2006 – Spring 2007)

● Wrote news, features, opinions and sports stories

● Assigned weekly articles to writers for the features section

● Designed features section using Quark and InDesign

● Edited and proofread copy for all sections of the newspaper

● Awarded first place by both the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and Keystone Press Awards

Pittsburgh Magazine May 2006 – August 2006

Editorial Intern

● Fact checked and copy edited stories and columns

● Wrote a feature story for the “Scoop” section

Society of Professional Journalists August 2005 – April 2007

Treasurer and President of Duquesne University’s SPJ chapter (2005 - 2007)

● Raised funds for programs and workshops featuring guest speakers and panel discussion forums

● Selected and edited stories for publication in Off the Bluff magazine

SKILLS:

AP Style, Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, Powerpoint,

Final Cut Pro 7, Adobe Audition, Garage Band, InDesign, Photoshop, Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr)

(Photo by Leo Castaneda)