Jewél Jackson, whose investigation showed that her hometown police department in Louisville was using thermal imaging to detect marijuana cultivation, will join El Paso Matters in February as a reporter covering higher education.

Jackson has interned at the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting and WFPL News in Louisville. She graduated this month from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, where she co-founded a mentorship program for students of color and LGBTQ+ students.

“My motive as a journalist has always been to share people’s stories and experiences with the world. And in doing so, I have held governmental administrations and school offices accountable for their actions,” Jackson said. “In the past 30 years El Paso has not had a journalist dedicated to reporting higher education, which means that there is a lot to be uncovered and said. Therefore, I aim to develop relationships with the various communities in El Paso so that I can tell and elevate these stories.”

The higher education reporting position is a partnership between El Paso Matters and Open Campus Media, a nonprofit news organization that focuses on higher education reporting. Open Campus has established a local news network to report on higher education issues in El Paso and five other communities.

“We are thrilled to have Jewél joining our team at El Paso Matters. As a recent college graduate, she has first-hand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities in higher education. Her internships at a nonprofit investigative news organization and public radio are excellent preparation for her work in El Paso,” said Robert Moore, CEO and founder of El Paso Matters.

Jackson lived with her family in Kuwait for eight years before going to college at Syracuse.

“If you know me, you know I’m very proud to say that I’m from Louisville (shoutout to the 502) but also in the same breath, I’m also very proud to have and still call Kuwait home. In being able to call both of these places home, I have been exposed to many cultures and walks of life. I’m always excited to expand my understanding of the world and take on a new adventure,” she said.

Jackson is moving to El Paso and will begin her job with El Paso Matters on Feb. 1.