About SJR

Launched in 2014, UF’s Science Journalist in Residence (SJR) Program brings leading science writers to the UF campus each academic year. (The program has continued during the pandemic, with science journalists appearing at UF virtually). Journalists typically give a public talk and spend two to three days speaking in classes and interacting with faculty and students interested in their work. Funded by the Office of the Provost, the program is housed and directed by the College of Journalism and Communications but open to participation by students and faculty in all colleges.

SJR Committee

Benjamin Johnson,  Interim Director, STEM Translational Communication Center/Associate Professor, Department of Advertising  (SJR Committee Chair)

Whitney Dotson, Administrative Specialist, STEM Translational Communication Center (SJR Coordinator)

Cynthia Barnett, Environmental Journalist in Residence, College of Journalism and Communications

Jay Hmielowski, Assistant Professor, Department of Public Relations, College of Journalism and Communications

Aaron Hoover, Director of Executive Communications, Office of the President

Joseph Kays, Director of  Communications, UF Research

Chris Moran, Special Assistant to the Vice President, IFAS

Anna-Lisa Paul, research professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences, IFAS

Czerne Reid, Instructional Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry/UF Health and Affiliate Associate Professor, Department of Journalism, College of Journalism and Communications

Melanie Fridl Ross, Chief Communications Officer, UFHealth

Serra Sowers, President, UF’s Science CommuniGators student organization

Marianne Vernetson, Associate Director/Lecturer, Bob Graham Center for Public Service

Dorothy Zimmerman, Communications Director, Bob Graham Center for Public Service