The Reynolds School of Journalism is pleased to welcome alumni Kelsey Fitzgerald as Reynolds Associate Professor of Science Communication Practice this fall. Fitzgerald is an experienced science communication professional with a background in biology and ecology.

After being inspired to write scientific articles while working on restoration projects around the western United States, Fitzgerald covered environmental issues as a journalist in Reno and worked as a science writer and senior communications officer at the Desert Research Institute. rice field. He earned his BA in Biology from Skidmore College and in 2015 Reynolds earned his Masters in Journalism from the School of Interactive.

“I had a great experience as a graduate student here, and I look forward to returning and contributing in another capacity,” said Fitzgerald. “I am delighted to see familiar faces and look forward to getting to know many new colleagues.”

In addition to teaching science communication classes, Fitzgerald also coordinates the Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science. This is a Reynolds School initiative to produce health and science information in an accessible, multimedia manner and to train scientists to better communicate their research to a general audience. The project is generously supported by his biochemist, microbiologist and philanthropist Mick Hitchcock.

“At the Hitchcock Project, I am particularly excited about the prospect of reporting on how climate change is affecting the people of Nevada and what some of the solutions look like,” said Fitzgerald. said. “He is also interested in working with UNR science students who want to improve his communication skills.”