Instructors of the Journalism Practicum
Erin Malone and Laurel Friedman are the editors of the Triton Times and instructors of the Journalism Practicum in the Academic Connections Program
About Erin:
I am a doctoral student in the Communication Department at the University of California-San Diego. My work addresses communication and culture. In my research I focus on bureaucratic communications and the possibilities of social justice work within these types of institutions. I received my bachelor’s degree in Advertising from the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign. I received my master’s degree in communication from the University of California-San Diego.
I have had experience in the media industries working with Honda, specifically on a local campaign for the Honda Element. I am also a member of the American Advertising Federation. I am also interested in media production, having worked on small documentaries and ethnographic film projects. Currently, I engage in ethnographic research where I utilize many of the skills you will learn through this course such as identifying reliable sources and conducting interviews.
On a personal note, I love music particularly music from the Caribbean islands. I regularly paint and make jewelry. I have the travel bug and enjoy visiting new places.
About Laurel:
I am a doctoral student in the Department of Communication at the University of California, San Diego. Like Erin, my work addresses communication and culture. I have a background in photography, anthropology, and journalism, and I came to UCSD with a focus on visual culture and visual research methods. My interest in visual research and visual culture grew out of my training as a still photographer and my fascination with the idea of using photography as an instrument of voice and a tool of ethnographic research. I have experience in news media, and I have focused particularly on journalism, documentary film, and ethnography.
As a new California resident (I grew up in Florida), I have enjoyed hiking, kayaking, and learning about the region since I moved here last September. In addition to an interest in the visual arts, I also have a love for the performing arts. I attended a high school for the visual and performing arts as a dance major and only discovered photography and writing later in life after completing an independent study in Paris. I also love to cook and am always on the lookout for creative recipes.
Here is a sample of some of my photographic work: http://documentaryworks.org/stories/roadside/index.htm
