Online Journalism Awards, Multimedia Feature Presentation, Student, Finalist, 2010
For Western Kentucky University Fleischaker-Greene Scholars project, “Farm to Fork: Investigating Agriculture”
Part-Time Faculty Award, Western Kentucky University, 2008
Recognized for teaching excellence among part-time faculty.
Inter American Press Association, In-Depth Reporting Award, 2007
For “Lead Astray,” an investigative story on the Doe Run lead company in Peru and Missouri published in Mother Jones magazine
Society of Environmental Journalists, Kevin Carmody Award for Investigative Reporting, Print, Second Place, 2007
For “Lead Astray,” an investigative story on the Doe Run lead company in Peru and Missouri published in Mother Jones magazine
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.
Missouri Associated Press Managing Editors, Feature Writing, Third Place, 2004.
For story about scientists’ efforts to save the Ozark hellbender salamander.
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.
National Alliance on Mental Illness, Investigative Reporting Award, 2002.
For “Locked in Suffering,” a series done with Jim Adams about mentally ill inmates.
Kentucky Psychiatric Medical Association, Barry Bingham, Sr. Media Award, 2002.
For “Locked in Suffering,” a series done with Jim Adams about mentally ill inmates.
Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy, Anthony Lewis Media Award, 2002.
For “Locked in Suffering,” a series done with Jim Adams about mentally ill inmates.
Gannett Well Done Award, Project Enterprise, First Place , Second Quarter 2001.
For series with Jim Bruggers documenting railroad workers’ exposure to toxic chemicals.
Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association, Best Coverage of Business and Economic Issues, Honorable Mention, 2000
For stories titled, “Agriculture’s toll on the environment.”
Gannett Well Done Award, Specialty Reporting, Runner-Up, Fourth Quarter 1999.
For a selection of environmental stories.
New Orleans Press Club, Feature Writing, First Place, 1994.
Won for “Young Drifters,” a story about homeless young people living in the French Quarter.