Age Boom Academy
The Columbia Aging Center's Age Boom Academy, a signature program of the ILC-USA, was established in 2000 and serves as a forum in which to educate journalists about the multifaceted social, economic, and health issues associated with population aging. Founded by Jack Rosenthal (1935-2017), then-president of The New York Times Company Foundation, and Robert N. Butler, MD, (1927-2010), the Academy lays the groundwork for sophisticated reporting about issues impacting older adults and a world where people are living into their 90s and beyond. There are nearly 200 members of the press who are alumni of the program. The output of these Age Boom Academy Fellows has created a huge body of aging-related reporting. Past Academies have focused on themes such as work, health inequities, retirement, myths about global aging, and the role of voters over 65 in the changing political landscape. The Columbia Aging Center is pleased to have the Columbia School of Journalism as its partner in this annual event that attracts journalists from across the United States and beyond.
A selective process identifies the Fellows who each year come together with researchers for an intensive two-and-a-half day workshop to learn how to effectively translate science into accessible reporting on the complex economic, demographic, sociological and health issues at play. During the Academy, journalist learn by interviewing assembled scientists and experts. They participate in story clinics led by researchers and senior journalists, and have their stories critiqued by researchers. The Academy is also a forum wherein journalists augment their network of sources with expertise in a range of disciplines. Simultaneously, researchers learn how to communicate more effectively with journalists.
Congratulations to the 2023 Age Boom Academy Fellows!
Sally Abrahms, Freelance Joumalist
Aisha Adkins, Freelance Joumalist
Morgan Baskin, Housing and Development Reporter, WAMU 88.5/DCist
lan Bradley, Reporter, Nashville Business Journal
Khristopher J. Brooks, Reporter, CBS MoneyWatch
Annemarie Cuccia, Accountability Reporter, Street Sense Media
Veronica Dagher, Personal Finance Reporter, The Wall Street Journal
Jonathan D. Epstein, Staff Reporter, The Buffalo News
Stacey Freed, Freelance Journalist
Cynthia Greenlee, Deputy Editor, Special Series, The Guardian (US)
Heidi Groover, Real Estate Reporter, The Seattle Times
Jessica Hall, Retirement Reporter, MarketWatch
Lisa Halverstadt, Senior Investigative Reporter, Voice of San Diego
Lillian Hernández Caraballo, Housing and Homelessness Beat Reporter, 90.7 WMFE
Tony Hicks, Reporter/Editor, Bay City News/Local News Matters
Debra Kamin, Reporter, The New York Times
Lizzie Kane, General Assignment Business Reporter, Chicago Tribune
Lorie Konish, Personal Finance Reporter, CNBC.com
Brooke Kushwaha, Reporter, The Vineyard Gazette
Bailey Loosemore, Engagement Reporter, The Courier Journal
D. Kevin McNeir, Freelance Joumalist
Alexa Mikhail, Health and Wellness Reporter, Fortune
Ashley Milne-Tyte, Freelance Joumalist
Megan Myscofski, Public Health and Equity Reporter, KUNM
Natalie Orenstein, Housing and Homelessness Reporter, The Oaklandside
Nushrat Rahman, Reporter, Detroit Free Press and BridgeDetroit
Caitlin Reilly, Financial Services Reporter, CQ Roll Call
Charlene Rhinehart, Publisher, Chicago Southsider
Helen Rummel, Housing Insecurity Reporter, The Arizona Republic
Sandra Sadek, Growth Reporter, Fort Worth Report
Gregory Schmidt, Senior Staff Editor, The New York Times
Anita Snow, Staff Writer, The Associated Press
Annmarie Timmins, Senior Reporter, New Hampshire Bulletin
Tatyana Turner, NYCHA Reporter, City Limits
Abby Vesoulis, National Politics Reporter, Mother Jones
Tess Vrbin, Reporter, Arkansas Advocate
Age Boom Academy: A Training Ground for Journalists and Scientists
