Current Location: Grand Junction, Colorado

Hometown: Peoria, Illinois

Current Position: Co-Director at The Water Desk at the University of Colorado Center for Environmental Journalism

What was your overall UIS experience like?

I really found myself at UIS. I was a Capital Scholars Honors student, which gave me a great foundation of critical thinking skills I still use today. I also spent several years at the student newspaper, writing, editing, taking photos and developing as a leader. I served as the paper's editor my senior year. In addition, I forged lasting friendships at UIS. Some of my closest friends today lived just down the hall in Lincoln Residence Hall.

I learned a lot interning at WUIS, or NPR Illinois, as well.

Do you have any fond memories of your time at UIS you'd like to share?

SpringFest was always an annual highlight. My team got so close to winning the tug-of-war one year!

Why did you choose UIS?

I liked being at a smaller school and more intimate campus. I never felt like a small fish in a big pond. UIS always felt more like a community.

What has your career path been like? How did you end up where you are?

I've spent most of my journalism career working in public media, reporting on agriculture and environmental issues across Colorado for NPR stations. I'm currently serving as co-director of The Water Desk, a journalism initiative of the University of Colorado's Center for Environmental Journalism. We seek to support and enhance water-related journalism happening in the American Southwest, with a focus on the Colorado River and Rio Grande.

This year my work earned a national Edward R. Murrow award from the Radio Television Digital News Association. My 2023 podcast, Thirst Gap, was awarded best podcast in small market radio.

Do you have any cool hobbies/side projects you'd like to tell us about?

I write in a freelance capacity on the side. I contributed an essay to a recently published anthology called "Water Bodies" from Torrey House Press.