Tap, Tap. Is this thing on?

May I have your attention please? I have an announcement to make!

After months of hoping and wishing and finger-crossing (all the while attending research conferences and working on my dissertation), I am pleased to announce that I'll be interning at the Chicago Tribune as a AAAS Mass Media Fellow this summer!

I am one of twelve fellows selected this year. Three of those are named Jessica. Two of those are from the University of Notre Dame.  It's an auspicious year.

I attribute my success in the fellowship competition ONE HUNDRED PERCENT to the support and guidance that I've received from the science writing community online. I couldn't be more thankful that I've been accepted into this community and given the opportunity to write guest blogs, pick your brains and follow you around at conferences.

I'll be reporting to the Health desk at the Chicago Tribune beginning in June. I've already heard fantastic things about the experience from last year's fellow, and this investigative report has me really pumped up to join the team.

Over the weekend, I visited Chicago to scope out sublets, and I found myself standing in front of the Tribune Tower. Inside the lobby, I was completely enthralled with the Gothic-style architecture. The dark interior is carved with quotes from historical figures that really give the sense that something important has happened (and is happening!) within those walls.

I expect to be incredibly busy over the summer--pitching and chasing stories, reporting on tight deadlines and most importantly, learning from some of the best science writers at one of the most respected newspapers in the U.S. Oh, AND I get to spend the summer in Chicago!

If you're in Chicago, drop me a line. I'd love to get coffee or lunch with a fellow science writer! :)

[EDIT] I should mention that my fellowship was sponsored by the American Geophysical Union. Thanks, guys!