Education

Elon University                                                                                                                                                        Elon, N.C.

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism                                                                                                               Aug. 2020 - May 2024

Minor in Political Science

Relevant Coursework: Photojournalism, Journalism in a Free Society, Web & Mobile Communications, Creating Multimedia Content, Intro to Intermedia/Photography, Media Writing, Comparative Politics, Media Law.

 

Work Experience

Freelance Photographer and Reporter                                                                                                            United States

                                                                                                                                                                      June 2022-Present

• Aviation Week: Photographed the Experimental Aircraft Association’s 2022 AirVenture airshow. Photos were included in the Aug. 8-28, 2022, issue of Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine

• Carolina Peacemaker: Covered a wide range of newsworthy events highlighting the local community in the Piedmont-Triad area

• NC Health News: Covered several freelance photo assignments for this North Carolina outlet, specializing in health-related news coverage. Coverage includes North Carolina General Assembly budget votes and industrial facilities. 

• The Wilmington Star-News/USA Today Network: High School baseball tournament coverage

• The Greensboro News & Record: Coverage of multiple High School graduations, images included on the front page

• Triad City Beat: Coverage of numerous Greensboro-area events, including articles and photo coverage. Stories include the demolition of the old Greensboro News & Record press/office building and multiple 2024 Harris-Walz campaign events in both Greensboro and Winston-Salem.  

 

Elon News Network                                                                                                                                                Elon, N.C.

Photo Editor                                                                                                                  Nov. 2021-May 2022, Jan. - May 2024

Managed a team of over 20 staff photographers and reporters for the weekly newspaper, The Pendulum.

• Collaborated with editors, reporters, and designers to pitch general news photos and photo stories.

• Trained staff photographers and reporters in DSLR photography and photo editing software.

 

Photographer and Staff Writer                                                                                                                Jan. 2021 - May 2024

• Authored articles for publication on multiple print and digital platforms.

• Photographed President Joe Biden’s visit to NC A&T in April 2022 with a team of collegiate reporters.

• Covered N.C. Senate Bill 20, including the Governor’s veto and veto override votes at the N.C. General Assembly.

• North Carolina Republican Convention coverage and other aspects of North Carolina politics.

 

NASASpaceflight                                                                                                                                               Daytona, Fla.

News Writer-Remote                                                                                                                                Jan. 2020 –June 2023

• Written 40+ articles highlighting the aerospace industry, launches, and interviewed industry executives

• Covered launch site press/media events including Northrop Grumman and NASA NG-13 press events
   

Professional Associations

National Press Photographers Association                                                                                                           Elon, N.C.

University chapter Treasurer                                                                                  Spring 2021 - Sept. 2023, Jan. - May 2024

University chapter Secretary                                                                                                                           Sept. - Dec. 2023

Member of the national association since Aug. 2022

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Society of Professional Journalists                                                                                                                        Elon, N.C.

Member                                                                                                                                                    Spring 2021 - Present

 

Awards and Recognitions

•  Sixth-place finalist in the News/Feature Photo category in the Best of Show Awards at the 2024 Associated Collegiate Press Spring National College Media Conference.

• Placed among the top-20 finalists (tied for 18th) across the country in the Photo II Picture Story/Series Competition held by the Hearst Journalism Award Program for 2024 New Hampshire Primary photo story. 

• Earned an honorable mention for a photo published for Elon News Network's 2022 election night coverage in the News/Breaking News Photo category by the Associated Collegiate Press in 2023 

Skills

• Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom Classic, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), News Writing, AP Style, Photojournalism, Visual Storytelling, photography, Photo Mechanic.

• Ability to rapidly respond to breaking news events, using radio scanners and producing photo and article content.

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References

Dr. Anthony Hatcher

Professor of Journalism and Chair of the Journalism Department - Elon University - ahatcher@elon.edu

Randy Piland

Senior Lecturer in Communication Design - Elon University - rpiland@elon.edu

Al Drago

Photojournalist, Elon University alumni - aldrago@gmail.com