Tell us about your project submitted to the Emmys!

Danae, Kat and I made a video about three things that are important to Panamanians: coffee, culture and conservation. Danae and Kat were planning to make separate videos about coffee and sombreros, but our professors Carlene Hempel and Mike Beaudet decided during our trip to combine the stories with a piece about conservation. I remember Carlene asked a few of us — as we were sitting in hammocks in the middle of a forest — if anyone wanted to help make a video about the Mamoni Valley. I volunteered because I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn new video skills.

How will your Emmy recognition influence your future work?

I never envisioned myself as a TV reporter and I still don’t, but this whole experience made me confident that I could give TV a try if I changed my mind. 

What aspect of your winning project was particularly newsworthy? What led you to submit it for Emmy consideration?

I think Danae did an incredible job anchoring and editing, and Mike got some amazing shots. Danae and Mike are real pros at this video stuff. I also think we did a good job getting to the heart of what makes Panama special.

How has being recognized by the Emmys changed the way you think about the future of journalism? 

The Northeastern School of Journalism has produced some incredible talent in all areas of journalism. I wouldn’t be surprised to see our alums in the best newsrooms in the world.

What does it mean to you to have your work recognized by a prestigious organization like the Emmys? 

I never expected to get an Emmy, and I feel so lucky that I got to contribute to this project. Danae carried this entire thing and deserves all the credit in the world. Kat was brilliant, too. The Emmy was just the icing on the cake after our incredible trip to Panama. I feel like this award is really for all my classmates, because we worked tirelessly to report on this beautiful country.

Can you share an impactful experience you’ve had with the NU Journalism department that has informed the way you approach journalistic projects?

My two classes with Carlene Hempel – J2 and the Panama trip — gave me my journalistic foundation. She taught me about sourcing, interviewing, writing mechanics and everything else a journalist needs to know. When I write stories nowadays, I still ask myself how she would edit my writing. I feel so lucky that I got to learn from her.

Any journalism co-op experience would you like to share? 

My co-op at the Boston Globe taught me how to use my classroom lessons in the real world. I reported on all sorts of things — murders, fires, rabid skunks, Queen Latifah, etc. — and met some amazing journalists. It was the best learning experience I could ever ask for.