Portfolio — Selected Works

Columbia Missourian

Balancing socioeconomic status of students a challenge in school redistricting

Spent a semester following the redistricting process at our local school district and wrote regular updates. Recognizing that socioeconomic balance had come up during many redistricting conversations, I talked to students, staff and community advocates about what they believe socioeconomic balance looks like and what role redistricting plays.

IndyStar

Illegal gun purchases are rising. Women play a big role.

Sought to understand why women straw purchase by talking to experts and people who have interacted with women who have committed the crime. I also read through court cases to learn more about who firearms were often purchased for and what the crime could lead to. 

Oklahoma Watch

Homeless Youth Walk a Hidden Path in Rural Oklahoma

Looked into how homelessness in rural America differs from our traditional view of homelessness and how this can lead to severe underreporting, especially for rural homeless youth. I visited rural Oklahoma multiple times to connect with youth and community leaders.

IndyStar

A tote, a blanket and 'the smell': Mom didn't give up until daughter found in Indy woods.

I was given a police report of a homicide and got in touch with the family of the victim to write a short profile. This was an example of an assignment I received on the breaking news/crime desk.

IndyStar

Decades later, where are these Indiana missing persons cases now?

Found five cold cases in and around Indianapolis that hadn't been covered for a while. I got in touch with family members for each of the five cases to write short updates. I also shared the families' relationships with law enforcement as they continued waiting.

Columbia Missourian

Distant neighbors? Boone County straddles the fault lines of political polarization

Preceding the 2024 presidential elections, I worked with other reporters to conduct long conversations with voters in Centralia and Columbia — two very different cities in the same county. We put together short profiles for each person, sharing what voters care about and why.

Columbia Missourian

Yearwood leaving CPS as superintendent; Belcher returns as interim leader

Put together a breaking news story when we received the announcement that the superintendent of our local school district was leaving. I included context about his tenure and quickly called community members, board members and local leaders to learn as much as I could on a quick deadline.

The Daily Yonder

Muslims in Rural Kansas Struggle to Find Needed Resources

Reached out to multiple agencies that work with immigrants and refugees to have conversations about common challenges. Connected with Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas, set up a group Zoom call with their staff and had a discussion about regular issues they and their clients face, which led to this story idea.

The Wire India

Delhi Air Pollution: Working Class Stays Outdoors Despite Health Issues, Sees a Cut in Pay

Talked to auto drivers and food vendors, whose work required them to be outside, about how the dangerous pollution in Delhi was affecting them. I went out with another reporter to help translate the questions and responses.