Two college students have joined the El Paso Matters team for the summer to enhance our data efforts and build our audience engagement.

Michaela Román

Michaela Román is a UTEP graduate now pursuing a masters in social journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York. She’s focusing on helping El Paso Matters expand its audience and deepen its connection with the audience.

She previously worked as a photojournalist at The Statesman Journal in Salem, Oregon, and ran The Prospector, UTEP’s student publication, while working as a student journalist. She was born and raised in El Paso.

“Growing up here and working as a photographer, where I’ve shot endless family portraits, weddings and other events across El Paso over the years, I know how unique and family-oriented our community is. A lot more happens here than makes national news and I want to make sure we are sharing those stories with each other and the world,” Román said.

Emma Baker

Emma Baker is interning as a data reporter with El Paso Matters through the Dow Jones News Fund. She is a senior at Washington University in St. Louis, where she studies English literature and computer science.

“As a journalist, I’m really interested in searching out leads that are often hidden in data sets and exploring the very human stories found there. This summer, I want to dig into the issues and topics that matter to the El Paso community and pursue reporting which reflects the El Paso community,” Baker said.

“We are thrilled to have Michaela and Emma join us this summer. They will enhance the stories we tell for and about the El Paso region. And we should add to their education, helping them prepare to be part of the next generation that will lead the way in improving journalism,” El Paso Matters CEO Robert Moore said.