Report for America reporter Rose Schnabel will join the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) Innovation News Center in July as part of the new Florida Environment & Ag Desk. She will cover the agriculture, water and climate change beat in North Central Florida for WUFT News.

Report for America is a national service program that places journalists in local communities to report on under-covered issues. She is one of nearly 60 reporters who were recently chosen for newsrooms around the country.

Schnabel, who grew up on her family’s farm in Indiana, graduates next month with dual degrees in biology and Spanish from Indiana University. Her reporting experience includes covering science and the environment for the Spanish language El Nuevo Día in Puerto Rico.

In North Central Florida, she will cover a major agricultural region, immigrant stories and environmental issues along Florida’s Nature Coast. She will also play a key role as a mentor to student journalists.

“Agriculture and the environment are sizable economic drivers in our region and it’s our responsibility to share stories along these themes that have traditionally been under-covered,” said Harrison Hove, interim director of the Innovation News Center.

Since its launch in 2017, Report for America has matched more than 650 journalists with local newspapers, public radio stations, digital platforms and broadcast outlets.

Two Journalism seniors who specialized in environmental reporting are also part of this year’s Report for America corps. Fernando Figueroa will cover environment and climate change for The Ithaca Voice in central New York. Elise Plunk will cover water and its impact for the Baton Rouge-based Louisiana Illuminator.

“Report for America extends a welcoming hand to journalists from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to add their experience, perspective, and talent to local newsrooms nationwide. These storytellers help ensure that under-covered communities and issues receive the attention they deserve,” said Earl Johnson, vice president of recruitment and alumni engagement at Report for America.

The partnership with Report for America “will better help us serve the community and build trust on critical issues,” said Hove, “while allowing students journalists to watch and emulate a working professional who adheres to high journalistic standards, nurtures relationships and builds trust.”

Posted: April 24, 2024
Category: College News, Student News
Tagged as: Florida Enviironment & Ag Desk, Harrison Hove, Innovation News Center, Report for America, Rose Schnabel, WUFT News