SARA SHIPLEY HILES

903 Meadowlark Drive, Bowling Green, KY 42103

Phone: 270-783-7510; E-mail: saraship@gmail.com

WORK EXPERIENCE

Freelance writer and editor, Bowling Green, KY: August 2005 to present.

Freelance journalist specializing in environment, health, science and investigative reporting. Work includes a story in the November/December 2006 issue of Mother Jones magazine about two towns, one in Peru and one in Missouri, polluted by the same lead smelting company. Also wrote a chapter for the forthcoming book, “Hurricane Katrina: Breach of Trust - How New Orleans Was Betrayed... And Nearly Destroyed.” Other articles have appeared in The Boston Globe, Business Traveler and The Christian Science Monitor. Also provide writing and editing services for local non-profit clients.

Part-time journalism professor, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY: August 2006 to present. Teach newswriting and reporting class.

Environmental reporter, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, MO: June 2002 to May 2005

Headed reporting team that investigated the explosion of flood plain development in region, resulting in five-part series that gained attention on National Public Radio and spawned several pieces of legislation. Investigated how a toxic butter flavoring destroyed the lungs of microwave popcorn plant workers; story was a finalist for Livingston Award for national reporting. Wrote award-winning feature story on scientists’ efforts to save an endangered salamander known as the Ozark hellbender.

Regional reporter, Louisville Courier-Journal, KY: May 2000 to May 2002

Co-reported and co-wrote series exposing the poor treatment of mentally ill inmates in Kentucky’s county jails, leading to state reform efforts. Teamed up with environmental reporter on series documenting exposure of railroad workers to toxic solvents that caused brain damage and other illnesses. Explored the controversy behind a airport/industrial park planned near Mammoth Cave National Park; story was a finalist for a feature writing award from the Society of Environmental Journalists in 2002.

Environmental reporter, Statesman-Journal, Salem, OR: May 1998 to May 2000

Covered month-long breaking news event as cargo ship ran aground off Oregon coast, leaking oil and raising questions about cargo vessel safety. Traveled to Iceland for 10 days to cover Keiko the killer whale’s repatriation to his native waters for Gannett News Service. Wrote story showing how, contrary to popular opinion, agriculture has a greater impact on the environment than logging.

Staff writer, The Times-Picayune, New Orleans: June 1993 to May 1998

Hired as full-time staff writer after completion of successful internship. Broke story on local businessman’s illegal gambling operation, resulting in his arrest and contributing to his later indictment. Investigated underage drinking in a series that led the Louisiana Legislature to change the state’s alcohol laws. Wrote award-winning feature story about a group of homeless teen “drifters” living in an abandoned building.

Copy editor/staff writer, The Times-Picayune, New Orleans: Sept. 1992 to May 1993. Worked part-time as a copy editor and stringer during senior year of college. Created the paper’s first college/youth beat, bringing fresh subjects to the paper, including its first story on the then-unknown Internet.

Copy editing intern, The Times-Picayune, New Orleans: May 1992 to August 1992. Edited for clarity, accuracy and style during summer college internship.

Magazine intern, 3-2-1 Contact magazine, New York: June 1991 to August 1991

Researched and wrote for nationally circulated children’s science magazine.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts degree in communications, Loyola University, New Orleans: May 1993. Presidential scholar, honors student; graduated cum laude. Minored in Latin American studies.

SELECTED AWARDS AND SEMINARS

Livingston Award Finalist for National Reporting, 2004

Recognized for stories investigating the exposure of microwave popcorn plant workers to a toxic butter flavoring. The Livingston Awards for excellence by professionals under the age of 35 are the largest all-media, general reporting prizes in American journalism.

Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, 2004

     Invited to attend three-day seminar in Boston for environmental reporters.

Society of Environmental Journalists, Outstanding Feature Reporting, Print -  Finalist, 2002. Recognized for story explaining the controversy behind a proposed airport/industrial hub near Mammoth Cave National Park.

Institute for Journalism and Natural Resources, 1999

     Won fellowship to attend eight-day expedition-style professional development seminar designed for environmental reporters in the Pacific Northwest.

New Orleans Press Club, Feature Writing, First Place, 1994

     Won for “Young Drifters,” a story written while an intern about homeless young people living in the French Quarter.

OTHER

Member of Society of Environmental Journalists

Member of Investigative Reporters and Editors

Proficient in Computer-Assisted Reporting (CAR) skills

References available upon request