The American Observer Staff: Spring 2008

The American Observer is produced by the American University School of Communication’s graduate journalism program. This online magazine is a student publication that focuses on news from campus, Washington, and the world. For the spring of 2008, the American Observer publishes every Wednesday.

Staff photo

Photos by Amy Hendrick and Jodi Westrick

Liz Anderson received her bachelor’s degree in communications at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Ala., and her teaching credential from California State University, Dominguez Hills. A Los Angeles native, she enjoys relaxing beach walks, writing, singing and gathering with family and friends … and food! E-mail Liz

Lisa Chiu received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and her master’s degree in China Studies from the University of Washington. She has reported for the Orange County Register, the Arizona Republic and the Seattle Times and served as a copy editor at China Daily, China’s national English newspaper, and China Central Television International. She is currently a fellow in investigative reporting at the Center for Public Integrity and American University. E-mail Lisa

Cristina Fernandez-Pereda received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the Complutense University in Madrid. Recently, she was studying social and cultural anthropology, but put that on hold to get her master’s degree in Washington. She has worked in radio broadcasting and production and published articles in newspapers in Latin America through the Press Department of a Spanish NGO, Solidarios Para el Desarrollo. E-mail Cristina

Born in Serbia, Andras Gal received his BA in communication in Budapest, Hungary. After graduation he worked as editor at an international youth magazine, translator-correspondent for the Hungarian Defense Forces and writer for various weeklies. His articles on Central European politics were published in Transitions Online, EurActiv.com and Time magazine. As a writer he likes to cover issues connected to military, geopolitics and state security, with particular focus on the Balkan region. E-mail Andras

Katherine Gypson received her bachelor’s degree magna cum laude in history and writing from Marlboro College in Vermont. She has written news and cultural broadcasts for Voice of America, covered international intelligence and national security for United Press International and worked as a research assistant for the D.C. bureau of The Wall Street Journal. After receiving her master’s degree in print/international journalism from American University, Katherine would like to cover international politics and cultural issues. E-mail Katherine

Katharine Jarmul received her master’s degree in education from Pace University and her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She relocated to the District after teaching high school literacy in Brooklyn, N.Y. She has a background in community radio and web development and currently freelances for Free Speech Radio News. She is interested in reporting on urban youth issues using a convergent media format. E-mail Katharine

Jesseka Kadylak received her bachelor’s degree in journalism and English from Duquesne University in 2005. Originally from Pittsburgh, Jesseka has moved countless times to gain experience in different aspects of the journalism field. Before returning to school, Jesseka worked in New York City at CMJ, a music-focused magazine, and she was a news and entertainment editor at cleveland.com, where she also authored a rock blog. E-mail Jesseka

Eun Kang received her bachelor’s degree in English from Binghamton University in New York. At Binghamton, she was a senior editor and writer for Han Perspective, as well as an opinion and entertainment writer for the university’s newspaper, Pipe Dream. She hopes to one day write about biblical archaeology or human trafficking for National Geographic. E-mail Eun

Amanda Knowles received her bachelor’s degree in English from Allegheny College in 2006. She worked as a copy editor and page designer at the Erie Times-News and the Meadville Tribune. After graduating with a master’s degree in journalism and public policy from American University next year, Amanda plans to continue working in copy-editing and page design for a newspaper or magazine. E-mail Amanda

Casey J. Labrack received his bachelor’s degree in political science at Stonehill College in Massachusetts. At Stonehill, he ran an underground politics magazine out of his dorm room, with the help of a few other renegade folk heroes and some pirate software. Casey writes news and creative pieces, and takes and edits photos. His clips, short stories and photography can be found at www.CaseyLabrack.com. E-mail Casey

Caitlin Lukacs received her bachelor’s degree in anthropology, psychology and journalism from Brandeis University in 2007. She interned for WAER News, an NPR-affiliated radio station in Syracuse, New York, where she wrote stories and edited sound for the daily news broadcasts. Caitlin would like to work in editing, page design, and web production. E-mail Caitlin

Federica Narancio received her bachelor’s degree in communications at the University of Montevideo, Uruguay, in 2006. For two years, she worked as a reporter of urban affairs for El Pais of Uruguay. Upon completion of her master’s degree in print journalism, Federica would like to work as a foreign correspondent. E-mail Federica Narancio

Caine O’Rear received his bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Virginia. For two years, he has worked as a general assignment reporter for Richmond.com, an online news and arts magazine based in Richmond, Va. He also has written for American Songwriter, a Nashville-based music publication. O’Rear hopes to one day write about international affairs for publications great and small. E-mail Caine

Ariel Olson received her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Oregon in 2005. She was an intern news and feature reporter for Tri-County News and West Lane News, and was a freelance writer for the Eugene Weekly and Eugene Magazine, covering beats related to art, culture and performing arts. She is currently a graduate research assistant for AUSOC’s Simpson Project online, and she hopes to pursue a career in online foreign correspondence following her graduation from AU this summer. E-mail Ariel

Sakina Rangwala received her bachelor’s degree in film studies from Brunel University in England, and her master’s degree in English from Mumbai University in India. A native of India, she worked as a film journalist in her home country before coming to the United States. She aspires to be a photo journalist. E-mail Sakina

Joan Soley received a bachelor’s degree in history at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. She previously worked in international horse racing in Dubai, but has been living in the District for a few years – though nothing can compare with Singapore, where she grew up. E-mail Joan

Lisa Tanger received her bachelor’s degree in business from Marymount University. Tanger has been published in USA TODAY and NewAmericanMedia.org. E-mail Lisa Tanger

Federica Valabrega received her bachelor’s degree in integrative physiology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Valabrega, originally from Rome, lived in Boulder for five years. Her favorite hobby is climbing, but she can often be found teaching Yoga at Jacob’s Fitness Center. Federica would like to write for a health or outdoor publication. E-mail Federica Valabrega

Jodi Westrick graduated from Hillsdale College in 2006 with a BA in speech communications. She spent a year in Chicago working in corporate communications, specializing in crisis and issues management. Prior to that, Westrick interned at PBS headquarters and served as an editor, among other roles, for her college paper, The Collegian. She hopes to work for the online edition of a newspaper or magazine upon receiving her master’s in journalism from American University. E-mail Jodi

Kate Willson in an Oregon native. She has lived in Belgium, France and Colombia, and covered courts and crime for U.S. regional newspapers. She moved to Washington D.C. in July to pursue her master’s as an Investigative Reporting Fellow for American University and the Center for Public Integrity. E-mail Kate

Adina Young received her bachelor’s degree in communication at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., in 2007. She began writing for her high school newspaper and from then on she was hooked. She has done freelance writing for Virginia Tech Magazine and worked as a student aide for Virginia Tech News and Information. After earning her master’s degree from American University next year, she hopes to stay in the Washington area and write for a cultural or ethnic magazine. E-mail Adina