Grist leadership is pleased to announce its new class of fellows, which will start on March 1. Fellows spend a year on a specific beat working as reporters at Grist, and receive training and career development during their time in the newsroom.
“This new crop of fellows is truly impressive,” said Katherine Bagley, Grist’s executive editor. “With diverse backgrounds, locations, and lived experiences, they reflect the talent and perspectives that make journalism’s newest generation so promising. We’re thrilled to have them joining our newsroom, and to provide them the resources and mentorship that come with our fellowship program.”
Environmental Justice Fellow Gautama Mehta will cover communities affected by pollution and climate change. Born and raised in New York City, he has worked at the Macon Telegraph, the Biloxi Sun Herald and Coda Story. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago and is an editor at Mouse Magazine.
Climate News Fellow Sachi Kitajima Mulkey will cover the intersection of climate change, policy, and politics. Based in Berkeley, California, she is a science journalist who has written for Earth Island Journal, Atmos, Knee Deep Times, and others. She has interned for Radiolab and previously worked as the lead visual editor for FoodUnfolded. She has an undergraduate degree in animation from Massachusetts College of Art and Design and will soon graduate with a master’s in journalism from the University of California, Berkeley.
Indigenous Affairs Fellow Taylar Dawn Stagner (Arapaho and Shoshone) will cover Indigenous communities across the U.S. and the world. Based in Riverton, Wyoming, she is a writer covering tribal and rural issues. She is the recipient of a Native American Art Fellowship from the Wyoming Arts Council and was part of the 2023 class of Association of Independents in Radio New Voices program. She has bylines at National Public Radio, American Indian Magazine, High Country News, Wyoming Public Radio, and others.
Climate Solutions Fellow Syris Valentine will cover climate solutions. Based in Seattle, they are a freelance writer who has written for Scientific American, Grist, YES! Magazine, High Country News, and others. They studied Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington, and have worked as a researcher, engineer, project manager, and consultant in space technology and sustainable development. They have also previously served on the Green New Deal Oversight Board for the City of Seattle and the board of directors of the Reclaiming STEM Institute.
The Grist fellowship program is a paid opportunity for journalists to hone their skills at a national news outlet and deepen their understanding of environmental issues. The experience is designed to give early-career journalists with a demonstrated interest in environmental issues the experience to succeed in climate and environmental media.
We offer real-world experience at a fast-paced news site, training in a variety of skills key to a journalism career, and exposure to the leading sustainability thinkers and theories of our time. After a year of working full time at Grist and gaining key skills in environmental journalism, fellows have gone on to outlets including the Atlantic, Capital B, Politico, Investigate Midwest, the Verge, Wirecutter, Outside, Atlas Obscura, Greentech Media, and of course, Grist.
