Journalist and digital copy editor

My passion for journalism began in high school, where I worked my way up to editor-in-chief of our school newspaper and discovered the responsibility and impact of guiding a newsroom. I am now a senior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in journalism and media with a concentration in creative media, and I am a proud member of the Chancellor’s Honors College. 

Additionally, I have made the Dean’s List every semester and belong to Phi Kappa Phi, recognizing the top 7.5% of my class, as well as Kappa Tau Alpha, the national journalism honor society. 

In July of 2025, I studied abroad in Prague through UT’s College of Communication and Information, where I had the opportunity to report on international stories through written and video assignments, conducting field interviews and working under tight deadlines in a global journalism environment. The experience deepened my understanding of how to report stories thoughtfully and accurately across cultures and reinforced the importance of careful, ethical reporting in every context.

I have gained newsroom experience across local, national and international reporting environments. I joined The Daily Beacon as a copy editor before being promoted to copy chief and, most recently, managing editor. In my current role, I lead the newsroom's daily editorial operations, working closely with editors and reporters to guide coverage, strengthen storytelling and uphold the publication's editorial standards while helping shape the direction of the newsroom.

This summer, I am a news intern at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, where I work on the editing and print production team to prepare stories for both digital publication and the newspaper’s print and e-edition platforms. I also report on local news, covering topics including city government, the local school board and Richmond Animal Care and Control.

In the spring, I served as an accountability reporting intern at The Knoxville News Sentinel, where I pitched, reported and fact-checked local stories while collaborating closely with editors and mentors. I will return to the newsroom this fall to continue reporting on accountability and public interest issues.

I previously interned with Citywire USA in New York, reporting on financial markets, interviewing CEOs and senior executives in the RIA sector, and writing published articles for two daily newsletters. I also attended the Tennessee Journalism Academy, hosted by The Tennessean, participating in professional workshops and reporting exercises alongside industry journalists.