I am a professor of journalism practice, but came to academia from the "real world." I spent 25 years as an award-winning reporter, editor and magazine journalist, and I also worked in public relations for professional sports (Philadelphia 76ers) and government communications (Congressional press secretary and media consultant).

I joined the Ohio State School of Communication in 2010, and my current classes are Comm 2221: Writing and Editing for Media and Comm 3403: Sports Reporting and Writing. My focus in teaching and research is utilizing mobile technology in journalism and education, with a focus on how student-athletes can use mobile technology to engage academically.

I am also director of the Sports and Society Institute at Ohio State, where we lead efforts related to research, programming and career readiness for sports-focused students.

In 2019, I published, “Always Get the Name of the Dog: A Guide to Media Interviewing.” I am also the author of "Writing Fabulous Features," published with Pressbooks through Ohio State's Affordable Learning Exchange, and "100 Years in Harness," a history of harness racing. In 2024, I edited "Teaching Media Ethics," with Dr. Kathleen Culver for Rowman & Littlefield, and also contributed chapters on student journalism and sports writing ethics. 

Ohio State alum Jean-Jacques Taylor and I wrote "Storytelling Beyond the Scoreboard: The Art and Craft of Sports Journalism," now available through Bloomsbury Publishing.

I am also an active journalist, writing for numerous magazines that cover sports—including the NHL, Ohio State basketball, auto racing and horse racing—for the Associated Press and the Columbus Dispatch, as well as sports media and business for Forbes.com.

I was honored in 2024 to be named the Scripps-Howard Journalism and Communication Teacher of the Year. In 2022, I received the Ohio State Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching and was inducted into the Academy of Teaching. I was also named the Linda S. Puntney Inspirational Teacher by the Journalism Education Association. In 2023, I was named the Faculty Champion by Career Services for my work through Sports and Society to make sure sports-focused Ohio State students are career-ready. 

In 2015, I was inducted as an Apple Distinguished Educator and am a member of the 2026 class of Women We Admire, an organization comprised of some of the most accomplished women executives and leaders across the U.S. and Canada.

My husband, Brian, is a third-grade teacher for children with special needs in Columbus City Schools. Our son, Danny, graduated from Ohio State in 2024 with a degree in industrial design. After two years as head of design for the University of Maryland football team, he returned to Columbus in 2026 to serve as associate director of creative for the Ohio State football team.