I research, report and produce local, perennial features about Minnesota’s artistic, cultural and historical heritage. One of these took a look at an exhibit of dubious medical devices. Another considered a book discussion group for black men, Black Men Read-In. A different one reported on the state’s Francophone heritage.

Delivers smart, well-reported feature stories. Sometimes writes critiques and reviews of independent, foreign, and documentary feature films, with a PBS type reader in-mind.

I learned to consider, even ponder, the constitutional contexts that apply to a story.

Earned this scholarship as the best representative of Mr. Kashiwahara’s journalistic ideals.

Filed stories including one on the dedication of Gordon Parks High School, personalizing the story through the hardships of a graduating senior. Her experience typified chances given to at-risk students. Another story shed light on non-Muslims reflecting on their participation in Ramadan fasting. Still another debunked myths about the differences between the lives of the blind and those of sighted.

Eight Forty-Eight program: Produced many hard feature segments, several from my story pitches. In the process of producing taped segments, learned how to do basic engineering and studio production. Produced two host-reporter pieces. Was a key producer for an off-site round table segment. Edited several segments for air.

Managed the production and editorial aspects of teaching teens to make public radio stories.

Researched and designed a pilot project, with University of Minnesota journalism professor, Catherine R. Squires, that would introduce at-risk high school students to public radio storytelling.

Researched methods and best ways to train high school students to report and produce basic public radio stories. Designed lessons plans and field manuals for production software and hardware. We also wanted to motivate them to pursue careers in journalism or mass communications at the University of Minnesota.

Had a fantastic opportunity to learn from nationally known journalists, and to make influential career contacts.

Researched potential story topics and vetted story ideas. Pitched stories, pre-interviewed guests and ran scripts. Booked guests and studio time. Co-wrote segment scripts. Co-wrote both basic and longer feature website summaries for stories and performance chats. One of them was showcased in premiere of NPR’s new music website. Edited several conversations for air.

• Brought conversations from pitch, through pre-interview, booking and script writing to studio including one about filmmaker Charles Burnett. • Reported a story about African-American Republicans for a one-hour radio show, Intern Edition.
• Photographed homeless veterans for a brief first person story serial on Veterans’ Day.