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The Ted Scripps Fellowships have been bringing award-winning environmental journalists to ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ for 28 years. Fellows embark on a year of courses, projects, field trips, seminars and more— taking advantage of everything university life has to offer. This series is a chance to get to know this year’s cohort of talented journalists beyond what a typical bio page will tell you.

How are you enjoying the fellowship thus far?

I am having a wonderful time both professionally and personally. The fellowship has given me the much-needed break from the day-to-day grind, so I really appreciate this opportunity to take classes, attend seminars, and work on my project. I am particularly enjoying engaging with my cohort, students, and faculty.

It’s been an incredible experience so far, and I’m excited for what the next semester will bring.

How have you found the transition from working as a freelance journalist to becoming a fellow?

When I was moving to Boulder, I was a little nervous about how it was all going to work out. But the transition was seamless. The CEJ staff provided the incoming fellows with all the resources and support to make the transition easy. Being a freelance photojournalist is somewhat of a solitary pursuit, so I have enjoyed being surrounded by a community of like-minded people. I have lived and freelanced out of the Midwest for the past 10 years. I’m absolutely thrilled to be in Boulder, amidst a breathtaking landscape and wonderful community.

What has been your favorite part of the fellowship?

That’s a tough question because there’s so much I’m enjoying. One thing I love is auditing classes, as I’m gaining new knowledge and skills in areas outside my core expertise. Some of the courses are reading-intensive, which gives me the chance to slow down and read—something I couldn’t do enough when I was working full-time as a freelancer.

Two of my classes focus on decolonization and indigenous rights, which directly connects to the documentary work I’ve been doing. The insights I’m gaining are shaping my thinking and deeply informing my projects.

If you had to pick one, what is your favorite class this semester?

I’m enjoying all the classes I’m auditing, so it’s tough to choose a favorite. Some are reading-focused, while others are more skills-based. In terms of theory, I’m really enjoying a class called Arctic Society and Culture. It’s been fascinating. For skills, I’m taking two filmmaking classes—Short Documentary and Environmental Cinema—and both are challenging me to think creatively and push the boundaries of storytelling.

What do you like to do with your newfound free time?

I've been hiking a lot in my free time. Living in Boulder comes with the perk of easy access to beautiful trails in the Rockies.

I have hiked 27 trails since moving to Boulder. I started with easier trails, and I am now gradually tackling moderate ones—something I never would have imagined five years ago, when I injured my back and hip. Before that, I have hiked in the Sahyadri mountains (Western Ghats) of India and the Himalayas, but I had to stop after my injury.

Another thing I have been focusing on in my free time is getting back into my pranayama and meditation practice every morning. Having a set routine has really helped me carve out time for it. As a freelance photojournalist, my schedule was often unpredictable, especially with the travel and long hours, so having a structure during the fellowship has been a welcome balance.