The Ledger, staff writer, beginning July 2010
Based in Lakeland, Fla., I cover crime and law enforcement throughout Polk County. I created the paper’s crime blog, The Scanner. I handle breaking crime news for the paper’s website and develop long-term reporting projects.
The Courier/The Daily Comet, staff writer, Sept. 2007 to June 2010
Covered education and crime for The Courier in Houma, La., and The Daily Comet, its sister paper in Thibodaux, both part of the New York Times Regional Media Group. I produced videos and covered breaking news online. My coverage included the devastating 2008 hurricanes Gustav and Ike, a helicopter crash that killed eight oilfield and workers and the ensuing federal investigation.
The Poynter Institute, fellow, June to July 2007
Contributed stories for Points South, the online publication produced by reporters in the institute’s six-week fellowship for young journalists. I wrote about the Gulfport community outside St. Petersburg and developed multimedia elements for stories while attending writing and editing workshops.
Education:
University of South Florida, Tampa, Fla., May 2007; bachelor’s degree in English and minor in history. Member of the Hemingway Society and Society of Professional Journalists and presented paper at the 2006 International Hemingway Society Conference in Ronda, Spain. Worked as a reporter news editor of The Oracle, student daily newspaper. Editor of Thread, student literary journal.
Memberships: Society of Professional Journalists, Investigative Reporters and Editors.
Conferences and workshops:
The Investigative Reporters and Editors 2011 Conference in Orlando, Fla.
IRE Better Watchdog Reporting, Miami, Fla. Nov. 2010.
Awards: First place Louisiana Press Association award in 2009 for best investigative reporting for stories on a State Police probe into the local police department, and its secretive handling by the municipal government.
