Journalism & Essays
Features and Essays
As a journalist, I have always delighted in the long-form—features, in-depth reporting, careful analysis. Click the titles to read some of my favorites among my essays and longer features:
The 50 Most Powerful Women in U.S. Philanthropy
Inside Philanthropy
In concert with Inside Philanthropy’s editorial team, I was the lead writer and researcher for this definitive list and analysis of today’s philanthropic leaders.
The High-Tech Future of the Uterus
The Atlantic
A science feature about medical advancements in uterus transplants and bio-engineered wombs
Non-Believers Taking College Campuses by Storm
Salon
This reported feature describes the growth of campus atheist groups and the tensions and collaborations with campus religious groups
This Chicago Journalism Merger is a Breakthrough for Local News
Inside Philanthropy
It was a pure joy reporting this feature and speaking with the key players in the historic merger of the Chicago Sun-Times with Chicago Public Media.
Pervasive Sexual Violence Has Become a Black Eye for Game of Thrones
In These Times
An essay about gratuitous sexual violence in HBO’s hit series.
Title X Funding Cuts Could Cripple Planned Parenthood
Romper
A reported explainer that demystifies the mechanisms through which state-level Planned Parenthood clinics rely on Title X Funding
How Louisiana Slashed Medicaid for Pregnant Women and Blamed a Typo
Rewire News Group
In this exclusive reporting for Rewire, I uncovered the bizarre reason that Louisiana's health officials cut Medicaid funding for pregnant women.
The Rise of “True Blood’s” Nihilistic Vampire
Salon
A philosophical and political analysis of male lead characters in vampire sagas, from Buffy to True Blood.
I Couldn’t Watch Violent TV While Pregnant
HuffPost
A personal essay that parlays into an exploration of the science of violence aversion in pregnancy
Melinda French Gates Can Transform Philanthropy for Women and Girls
Inside Philanthropy
In this 2021 deep-dive essay, I look at French Gates’ past priorities at the Gates Foundation and Pivotal Ventures and argue that French Gates could transform philanthropy by funding reproductive rights in the U.S.; expanding her support for grassroots organizations; prioritizing fiscal and regulatory issues; and combatting gender-based and sexual violence.
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Reproductive Health, Science, the Environment
Much of my work in these areas has been with foundations (see here for my philanthropy work), but I've covered reproductive health as a journalist, along with other topics in science and the environment. Here are some selections:
“Origins” and the Exciting New Science of Pregnancy & Epigenetics
Salon
An interview with Annie Murphy Paul on her book, Origins: How the Nine Months Before Birth Shape the Rest of Our Lives.
With All Eyes on COVID Vaccination Rates, Funders Nationwide Battle Hesitancy
Inside Philanthropy
A reported 2021 deep dive showing how local philanthropies partnered with health officials and nonprofits to combat vaccine hesitancy in their communities.
This Could Be Why You Have Asthma
Bustle
About a study suggesting an epigenetic mode of transmission for asthma: if your grandmother smoked while pregnant, you’re more likely to have asthma.
The Wind at Their Backs: Offshore Wind Moves Forward Despite Local Battles
Next City
A reported feature about plans for offshore wind farms in the U.S., and local officials battling with community members over contentious projects. This article was also a cover story in the print issue of Next American City.
Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing & the Frontiers of AI
InfoWorks
Writing for the business blog InfoWorks, I spoke with cognitive scientist Marjorie McShane about her trailblazing research in the area of language-endowed intelligent agents (LEIAs).
Armageddon Science: An Expert Explains the Facts
Salon
A conversation with science writer Brian Clegg on the threats, both real and theoretical, that science and technology pose to the world. (Spoiler: nuclear arsenals are the biggest threat.)
Does Pregnancy Stress Increase Resilience in Babies?
Romper
In which I caution against drawing too many conclusions from a Swiss study linking cortisol in pregnancy to oxytocin production in newborns.
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Philanthropy, Politics, Social Justice
I write frequently about social justice and the philanthropic sector for Inside Philanthropy. I previously covered politics for Bustle and Romper.
After An Unprecedented 2020, Criminal Justice Reform Fundraisers Forge Ahead
Inside Philanthropy
In this reported feature, I spoke with criminal justice reform leaders at nonprofits across the US and analyzed the dual impact of the pandemic and the racial justice protests on fundraising strategies.
Eric Trump Says the President’s Golf Trips Are Important
Romper
If you have to cover the Trump candidacy and then the Trump White House—as I did in 2016 and 2017—you might as well have fun with it. To wit, from the article, “The president has spent seven of his 13 weekends in office at Mar-a-Lago, according to IsTrumpAtMarALago.org, a new project from the Center for American Progress Action Fund that keeps a running tally of Trump's time at Mar-a-Lago. During many of these trips, the White House has been reticent to specify how, exactly, Trump spent his time. In one notable instance, reporters were placed in a room with black, plastic sheets over the windows to prevent a view of the golf course.”
What We Learned from a Deep Dive into Violence Prevention Funding
Inside Philanthropy
In 2022, I authored a report on violence prevention philanthropy for Inside Philanthropy’s “State of American Philanthropy” series. In this article, I wrote about my major takeaways after interviewing over a dozen experts in the field.
Will Filibustering Neil Gorsuch Actually Work?
Romper
I enjoy writing explainers that simplify and clarify without sacrificing depth and detail, a-la Vox.
Here’s How Pregnant Women Could Lose Coverage Under Trumpcare
Romper
Another explainer from the bad old days when the Trump administration seemed on the precipice of repealing the ACA. (Before that epic thumbs-down from John McCain.)
When It Comes to Zombie-Killing, Father Know Best
In These Times
In which I argued that The Walking Dead was one of the more ideologically conservative shows on television.
Mitt Romney Out of Secretary of State Race After a Tumultuous Few Weeks
Romper
I had a lot of fun with this one…
What Is A Blind Trust, & Why Isn’t Trump Using One?
Romper
Another explainer breaking down the technicalities of a blind trust and tracing the Trump family’s evolution from claiming they will use one to continuing their direct involvement in business dealings while in office.
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Culture, Religion, & the Arts
I love writing reviews and cultural criticism. It's something I haven't done as much of recently and hope to return to soon.
The Moral Landscape: Sam Harris on Religion and Morality
Salon
My interview with Sam Harris, a leader in the “New Atheist” movement. The probing interview got contentious and went viral.
The Competing “Choice” Politics of Home Birth Advocates
Religion Dispatches
In this reported feature, I interview midwives and doulas across the U.S., exploring the divisive issue of abortion within the pro-home birth movement, which encompasses individuals of all political stripes and religious leanings.
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Our Favorite Authors Pick Their Favorite Books of the Year
Salon
Reporting for Salon, I reached out to authors including Dave Eggers, Laura Hillenbrand, Tao Lin, and Michael Lewis for intel on their favorite books of the year.
Pregnancy, Childbirth & Infant Care in TVLand
Bitch Media
The opening article of my 24-installment series about cultural representations of pregnancy, childbirth, and infant care in TV and film. (RIP to the late, great, Bitch Media and Bitch Magazine.)
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Utopian Dystopia
Next City
Feature essay about Broadacre City, the great architect’s unrealized utopian dream.
Theories on How Jon Snow Lives
Romper
I let my nerd flag fly on this one. (Of note: # 5 is the prediction that proved true.)
Trump Knows What Happened at the Oscars, Guys
Romper
I wasn’t thrilled to receive this article assignment… until I realized this wasn’t the first time the former president shared an off-the-rails rant about the Oscars. It’s just the first time he shared it from the Oval Office.
Ellen Ruppell Shell on Jobs and Work in the Twenty-First Century
InfoWorks
My broad-ranging interview with author, Atlantic correspondent, and future-of-work expert Ellen Ruppell Shell.
Clips from Ryan Lochte’s TV Show Will Remind You Why He’s A National Treasure
Romper
I dare you to read this article and not laugh.
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“The Bachelor” Contestants All Think They’re Dating Ben Higgins
Romper
Did I ask to be the assigned writer for “The Bachelor” season 20? I did not. Did I enjoy every moment of my hate-writes? Yes I did.
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