About Us-Contact

Tuesday, 24 January 2012 22:12

About Us

Border Beat is an online student-run newspaper that focuses on issues relating to the U.S.-Mexico border. The publication is based out of the University of Arizona School of Journalism and is run by a team of 21 journalism students and an advisor.

Border Beat investigates and explores all elements of life on the border – the staff experiences firsthand the varying lifestyles as each member is currently living in one of the largest border cities in the United States.

The student publication covers a assortment of topics, ranging from fashion, spots of interest, health, education, sports, food, entertainment and more.

Using multimedia to enhance the articles, Border Beat seeks to give people an understanding that the border is much more than a fence dividing two countries, and additionally, is more than a boundary line drawn on a map. Instead, the staff informs readers that the border area is the threshold that allows cultures to merge and coalesce. The published work will celebrate the Southwest's individuality and uniqueness due to its geographical placement.

Border Beat is published from January-May and August-December.  Each semester, a new team of students joins the award-winning publication and works to further examine the territory and its subjects.

Don’t forget to browse the right side of the home to view each staff member’s blog that will be updated weekly.  Join us as we investigate and share information so that all can become more informed and familiar with life on the border.

Editors-In-Chief

Brett Haupt   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Melissa Guz   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Copy Editing Team
Charles Misra   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Jessica Hoerth   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Lauren Inouye   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Preston Fawcett   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

El Independiente Editor-In-Chief
Alexandra Newman   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

PR & Social Media Team
Jamie Turow   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Lauren Urratio   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Shannon Maule   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Staff Reporters
Alexandra Newman   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Audrey A. Fitzsimmons   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Brett Haupt   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Charles Misra   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Chelsey Barthel   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Emily Kjesbo   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Hope Jamieson   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Jamie Turow   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Jeff Kessler   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Jessica Hoerth   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Keith Perfetti   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Lauren Inouye   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Lauren Sokol   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Lauren Urratio   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Lucy Valencia   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Maria Taracena   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Melissa Guz   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Preston Fawcett   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Rachel Kolinoski   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Shannon Maule   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Steven Schiraldi   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

I’m Alexandra Newman. I have always been the kind of person who people feel comfortable talking to. Today, I realize that I picked the perfect career path because I can combine my ability to listen and understand people with my love of writing and story telling. I hope to uncover intriguing stories that can draw a reader in and evoke emotion. I’m currently a senior at the University of Arizona’s Journalism School and am focused on the print journalism track. I've worked at the UA's student-run newspaper The Daily Wildcat, and interned at Inside Tucson Business and The Arizona Daily Star. Currently, I'm an editorial intern at The Tucson Weekly. I expect to graduate in May 2012 and I look forward to becoming well-known in the field as I pursue my career as a professional journalist.

My name is Audrey A. Fitzsimmons and I grew up in the capital region of New York state. I am the second oldest of eight children.  I’ve served in the United States Marine Corps since July 2002, holding various positions and learning indispensable skills. Currently, I’m enrolled in a commissioning program and study journalism at the University of Arizona. My career is a perfect fit because I’m motivated by change.  Along with my 7-year-old daughter, I look forward to working in the missions field and humanitarian aid abroad upon retirement from the Corps in about 10 years. I have a passion for both justice and grace. The skills that journalism offers will help me accomplish my goal of making an impact in this world by seeking truth and reporting it.  I have five large, mixed-breed dogs, I love to travel, I enjoy photography and try to spend any free time with my daughter, Aiyana. Although I consider myself non-denominational, I’m active in First Southern Baptist in Tucson, using my musical gifts for His glory.

I'm Brett Haupt, and I'm a senior journalism student set to graduate in May from the University of Arizona. With a minor in geosciences and a broad range of secondary interests, I have a cultured set of skills that are befitting of my journalistic passion. My primary interests include sports journalism, broadcasting, documentary style filmmaking, and political discourse. I am proficient in video editing, photography, and musical composition. After graduation I will be seeking a job in sports broadcasting; potential suitors include the Pac-12 network, Fox Sports Arizona and ESPN.com. As the editor-in-chief for Borderbeat.net I will continue to pursue my interest in border issues and the consequences of U.S. policy on immigrants and border economics.

My name is Charles Misra and I am a journalism and communication double major in Spanish and linguistics. I moved to Tucson from Dublin, Calif.  I have experience in all different kinds of media, as I have been a DJ at KAMP Student Radio, a copy editor at the Arizona Daily Wildcat, and a multimedia journalist at UATV 3 at the University of Arizona. I interned at CBS Eye on the Bay and Comcast SportsNet Bay Area in San Francisco. I am currently trying to get a better grasp of working in a television newsroom during my internship at KOLD News 13 in Tucson. When I graduate, I hope to find a job as either a multimedia journalist or a producer at a news station.

My name is Chelsey Barthel. I was born and raised in Huntington Beach, Calif. and am the younger of two girls. Growing up, I played soccer and did commercial acting until I came to the University of Arizona in 2008, where I am now a journalism major and psychology minor. I am excited to use journalism as a way to explore other cultures and lifestyles and use psychology to help understand why people choose the things they do. After I graduate this May, I plan to move to Austin, Texas where I will attend film school and can continue my dream of making documentaries and traveling the world.

My name is Emily Kjesbo and I am currently a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in Journalism and minoring in International Studies. I was born and raised a beach girl in Southern California but have always had a passion for traveling. During my junior year, I studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain and begrudgingly returned to good ol’ Tucson for my senior year. I have always enjoyed reading, writing and had an interest in journalism on an international scale. I hope to pursue a career in public relations with an entertainment or consumer focus upon my May graduation. I have always been interested in different cultures and am incredibly excited to learn more about our neighbors and the rich, diverse culture just south of the border!

Hi, my name is Hope Jamieson and I am a senior at the University of Arizona, currently pursuing dual degrees in dance and journalism.  I'll be graduating this May.  I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio and came to the UofA to be a part of the incredible school of dance. I have been dancing since the age of three and my passion grows more each day. I chose to study journalism as well so I could continue to develop as a writer and reporter. This past summer I interned at Suburban News Publications in Ohio, and it was amazing to have my first stories published and to be able share them with my community. I have had such a wonderful experience at this university and I am looking forward to being a part of the Border Beat team this semester.

My name is Jamie Turow, and I'm a journalism senior at UA, minoring in sociology.  I'm from the cold state of Maryland, and knew that I had to attend college somewhere warm to avoid my usual seasonal depression. Moving to Arizona was a huge culture shock for me, and although I've had an amazing college experience out west, I plan on moving to NYC upon graduation.  I have a passion for feature writing, and hope to work in the magazine industry in the big apple.  I studied abroad last spring in Prague, Czech Republic, and have since gained a love and appreciation for traveling.  I'm excited to be a part of the Border Beat team this semester, meeting and blogging about English language learners from all around the world.

My name is Jeff Kessler. I was born in Queens, N.Y. then moved to Marlboro, New Jersey, a suburb about 50 miles south of the city. My older brother, who is eight years my senior, is the person I look up to and try to emulate most. As I got older I decided I wanted to see and live in a different part of the country and chose to attend the University of Arizona. I wanted to experience the beauty of the desert and to escape the long, cold, gloomy and grey winters of the Northeast. My sophomore year I decided I wanted to become a writer and an investigative reporter. Through investigative reporting I hope to inform the public about vital issues as a whistle blower. After my May graduation, I hope to gain employment with a publication where I can be an investigative reporter to inform the public about vital issues as a whistle blower.

My name is Jessica Hoerth and I am a senior at the University of Arizona, graduating this May with a BA in journalism and business minor. I have always enjoyed writing as a hobby and would love to pursue my passion in the future, possibly writing for a magazine. I also really enjoy photography and capturing beautiful images through my lens. One day, I would love to be able to travel and explore the many different cultures throughout the world.

My name is Keith Perfetti, and I am a photojournalist in Tucson, AZ.  I am interested in travel photography to communicate across cultural barriers for others.  Using photographs and sound, I hope to allow someone to relive an experience they have never had. I believe stories about people are the most compelling.  By bringing pictures and their voice to a viewer, I can create emotional attachments you just can't get with words.

My name is Lauren Inouye. I'm a senior at the University of Arizona expecting a B.S. in Business Administration and a B.A. in Journalism with an emphasis in online media in May 2012. I'm an active member of Alpha Phi Omega and assist the Tucson community through service, fellowship, and leadership events. I work as the marketing director for UATV, the UA's only student-run news broadcast station. I am also a financial representative at Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. I am a licensed life, health, and disability insurance agent in the state of Arizona. Someday, I hope to have a career working in the entertainment industry that combines my dual degree. I would love to work in media management at E! News in Los Angeles or People Magazine in Chicago.

My name is Lauren Urratio and I am a graduating senior at The University of Arizona studying Journalism with a minor in Business Administration. My blog, Border Couture, is about my interests in fashion around the Tucson community. I joined Border Beat with the expectations of getting great social media journalism experience and more ground to build my clips and get published.  Besides writing, I love to shop and dream shop, which is where I basically dream of all the things I would buy if I had an endless amount of money. I also love to indulge in my guilty pleasures of reality shows and gossip websites. I love to eat and go to new restaurants. I love to stay active by hiking, working out and doing reforming Pilates. I love music of any genre and discovering new tunes. Border Couture is on the up and up!

I'm Lauren Sokol, and I'm a senior at the University of Arizona, studying journalism and sports management. I grew up in Scottsdale, Ariz. and I've always had a passion for sports.  I'm currently interning with the Wildcat Club in the Athletic department at UA. Upon graduation, I hope to work for a major league baseball team in their community affairs department, or with a program such as NBA Cares.

My name is Lucy Valencia and I’m a 21-year-old journalism senior at the University of Arizona. I have two siblings, a dog and a gnarly sweet tooth that often leads me to flirt with death in ice cream shops. But I somehow find "The Hub's" s'mores ice cream in downtown Tucson completely worth the risk. Aside from my addictions to sweets, I am an all-out enthusiast for outdoor activities and gawking at mid-century architecture in places my college budget will allow me to travel. I hope to cover public safety issues along the border and will fill you guys in on everything I report on via this blog, so keep checking back! And thanks for bearing with me enough to read any of my writing at all.

My name is Maria Taracena.  I was born and raised in Guatemala City, Guatemala. At 13, my family and I moved to Tucson, mostly against my will.  I never thought I would end up living in the U.S., much less in Tucson. Now, I’ve been here for almost 10 years and have grown to like it.  I am majoring in Journalism and minoring in Latin American Studies and Portuguese.  I got into journalism because I wanted a career that would allow me to travel, learn about different cultures and write about it.  After I graduate in May 2012, my plans are to travel and be a nomad for a little bit.  School provides us with a lot of information. But ultimately, real knowledge is gained from experiencing life and learning about the diversity with which we are surrounded.

My name is Melissa Guz and I’m a 21-year-old senior at the University of Arizona. I’m expected to graduate by May 2012 with a BA in both journalism and communication, however, being the first enrolled in the School of Journalism’s Accelerated  Master’s Program, I’m also going to obtain my MA in May 2013. Right now, I want to pursue a career as a radio journalist.  If there’s any trait a journalist should possess, it’s curiosity. I believe a person has to have a curious mind to seek-out the truth regarding policies and leadership in order to serve as true watchdogs for our society. Journalists should always question the world around us, strive for answers and never settle. They should also seek-out inspirational stories that need to be shared to the rest of the world to make a difference. These are a few reasons why I want to be a journalist.

My name is Preston Fawcett and I'm a Junior Journalism student from Seattle, Wash. I plan to minor in business. I work as a student manager for the UA men's basketball team and I love everything having to do with college basketball and high school recruiting. In my free time I like to hike and play sports. I also love to travel, and have been to South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Germany, Mexico, Canada and 35 different states. My dream job would be as a college basketball analyst or broadcaster for ESPN.

Hi readers! My name is Rachel Kolinoski, and I am a senior journalism student at the University of Arizona. I am from the flashy city of Las Vegas, Nevada. I originally attended the University of San Diego as a freshman but had a change of heart and transferred to become a Wildcat! I also saw myself going down a biology path but discovered a stronger passion to write. I am proud to say that I am the first in my entire family to attend and soon graduate from college. I have a younger brother and a spoiled cat named Gucci. I am a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. I currently hostess at an amazing chicken and waffle restaurant called May’s Counter. My dream job would be to work for Cosmopolitan Magazine in New York City!

My name is Shannon Maule and I’m a senior journalism student at the University of Arizona.  I was born and raised in Scottsdale and hope to return there after graduation in May.  I love to write feature stories that focus on the topics of health, wellness and higher education.  This semester I’ll focus the majority of my writing on education for those who have come to the United States from various countries.  I’ve chosen this subject because in the fall I’ll be working to obtain a master’s degree in postsecondary and higher education.  I believe that the collegiate years are crucial –this is the time that many create a path for the future. Join me as I investigate the trials, successes and intimate experiences of those who’ve ventured from their homeland to the U.S. to gain new opportunities for education.

My name is Steven Schiraldi and I am a Journalism senior at the University of Arizona, with a minor in Communication. I am in a wheelchair and I am gay, but I don’t let those things define who I am as a person. I am also a person who goes after everything I am passionate about, one of which is music. After college I plan to write as a music critic for a magazine. My dream is to shadow and one day become the next Michael Ausiello. I spent the majority of my life in New York, moving to Arizona when I was 18. In my spare time I am learning to play the guitar, watch a lot of television and spend a lot of time on the Internet. I am also the co-Editor-in-Chief of Persona, the undergraduate magazine of literature and art on the University of Arizona campus.

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