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Hannah Campbell, Investigative Reporting Workshop Perri Fellow

Campbell is a recent graduate from Ohio University, where she studied journalism. She's previously worked for the Times-Union newspaper in Albany, New York, and Pittsburgh Magazine. She is passionate about investigative and narrative journalism.

Why I chose SOC's MA in Journalism and Public Affairs program:

The hands-on experience at AU is unlike any other graduate school. The many field experiences provided to me through classes will sharpen my reporting skills and educate me on new topics.

As an IRW fellow, I'm hoping to learn more about investigative journalism techniques. The opportunity to dive more in-depth for topics is so exciting to me. I'm honored to learn from so many great journalists around me!

Lillian Juarez, Investigative Reporting Workshop Perri Fellow

Juarez comes to American University from Dallas, Texas. Prior to starting her master’s degree, she was a news editor in Dallas for Advocate magazine, a non-profit publication where she covered business, breaking news and real estate. Juarez received a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Arlington studying both journalism and political science. She also was on the news and life desk for The Shorthorn, UTA's student newspaper, and covered local government and business for the city of Arlington, Texas.

Why I chose SOC’s MA in Journalism and Public Affairs program:

I am incredibly excited to be attending American University’s graduate program for investigative journalism and public affairs. The faculty is remarkable and cares about student success post-graduation;Ìýthe alumni connections are also incredible. The university has always been my dream school, and I am lucky to be here as a first-generation college student.

I look forward to working with the incredible team at IRW on investigations throughout this yearlong fellowship. I am honored to be selected for this opportunity and obtain more skills that will help me as journalist and student here.

Maria Lawson, AU SOC ESPN Fellow

Lawson comes to American University after spending two years working as deputy editor of Dallas-based People Newspapers. She graduated in 2022 with degrees in digital/print journalism and sociology from the University of North Texas, where she also worked as editor-in-chief of the North Texas Daily.

Why I chose SOC’s MA in Journalism and Public Affairs program:

American University’s curriculum offers an immersive educational experience, which is especially exciting during an election year. I was drawn to the program for its accomplished faculty and rigorous coursework that provides opportunities to improve reporting skills in the classroom and on assignment.

I’m looking forward to working with the talented reporters and editors in ESPN’s investigative/enterprise unit to dive into sports reporting and its intersection with social issues and current events.

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Dana Munro, The Washington Post/AU Fellow

Dana Munro begins her Washington Post fellowship through American University after spending three years working for Baltimore Sun Media, most recently covering breaking news in the city for the Baltimore Sun and previously writing about Anne Arundel County government for The Capital Gazette. She received her bachelor's in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2020.

Why I chose SOC's MA in Journalism and Public Affairs program:

Aside from the incredible opportunities AUÌýstudents are offered, I chose the program due to its access to the White House and Congress and focus on honing students' skills in political coverage.

Through my fellowship at The Washington Post I hope to be mentored by some of the nation's top editors and reporters, have opportunities to partake in covering some of the region's most consequential news stories and better refine my career plan for the future.

Todd St. Hill, Investigative Reporting Workshop Graduate Fellow

Before becoming an Investigative Journalist and Investigative Reporting workshop Fellow at American University St. HillÌýwas a freelance photojournalist and videographer. Additionally, heÌýco-founded LEFT OUT Magazine, a magazine for in-depth reporting and political analysis on the issues impacting Black communities across the globe. I have freelanced for the Intercept, Jacobin Magazine and Socialist Worker. I also contributed to The Chicago Defender, covering police misconduct and militarization, surveillance, "social movement reporting," and impacts of climate change in the global south.

I was part of the 2014 We Charge Genocide delegation to the 53rd session of the United Nations Committee Against Torture. From 2020-2023 I started and managed a production company when I earned the business mention in the 2021 Global Directory of Who’s Who, and currently manage a film production firm that provides commercial film and photo production services. While my focus has expanded to Investigative Reporting, it still includes photojournalism and documentary filmmaking.

Why I chose SOC's MA in Journalism and Public Affairs program:

I chose SOC in part because their faculty are seasoned, knowledgeable, and principled journalists who also know how to survive in a tough professional industry. AU SOC is also putting their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion into action in a time when institutions are folding to pressure disband such initiatives.

I hope to develop the reporting and investigative skills I'm learning in the master's program through the IRW fellowship.