Local Science Journalism Initiatives
On this page, you'll find local journalism projects that focus on, or encompass, crucial science topics.
Three Sixty Journalism, University of St. Thomas
Link: University of St. Thomas
Creator: University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota
About: “Three Sixty Journalism, a nonprofit program of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas, uses the principles of strong writing and reporting to help diverse Minnesota youth tell the stories of their lives and communities.”
Spark Science Podcast, Western Washington University
Link: Spark Science
About: “Our tagline is “exploring stories of human curiosity”. We want to make science more accessible and less intimidating. We feel the best way to humanize the “scientist” is to share stories that include scientists’ backgrounds, humor, and struggles as well as their work.”
Host: “Dr. Regina Barber DeGraaff currently teaches physics, astronomy and science communication at WWU where she is also the STEM Inclusion and Outreach Specialist and strives to make science accessible to all.”
The Water Desk, University of Colorado Boulder
Link: University of Colorado Boulder
Summary: Provides original journalism as well as resources for journalists and awards for reporting on water in the Colorado River basin.
About: “The Center for Environmental Journalism’s newest initiative is “The Water Desk,” an independent news organization dedicated to increasing the volume, depth and power of journalism connected to Western water issues. Our focus is the Colorado River Basin, the water source for some 40 million people living in seven U.S. states and Mexico. Climate change, population growth and other forces are posing unprecedented challenges for managing water in a region stretching from Colorado’s Front Range to Southern California’s coast, and from the snow-capped peaks of Wyoming to the deserts of Northwest Mexico. The Water Desk will work with journalists and media outlets to strengthen their water-related coverage and expand its influence. It will also produce its own content, help train the next generation of water journalists, engage with the community to inform water reporting and pursue innovative approaches to 21st-century storytelling.”
