I’m a writer, editor, communicator, and occasional artist and wannabe geographer.
I have work and research experience in the fields of agroecology and environmental science, print and online journalism, and graphic communication.
What I do for money: I am the online editor at High Country News, a magazine that covers environment, natural resources, public lands, and changing culture and demographics in the American West. Prior to that, I spent a year working for the Agricultural Sustainability Institute at UC Davis, doing communications and outreach on a multidisciplinary research project called the California Nitrogen Assessment. I have also done a fair amount of freelance writing on food, agriculture, science and environment topics, mostly for Grist and the High Country News, and for the publication Oakland Local.
Where I live: I live in Paonia, Colorado. Prior to that I lived in Oakland, Calif. Prior to that I lived in rural Montezuma County, Colo., on the edge of the Colorado Plateau. I have lived in many parts of the United States and been to every state except Maine. Colorado is my favorite state, but I sure love Oakland, and also have a soft spot in my heart for the southern Appalachians.
What I do for fun: I play a lot of soccer. I attempt to play ultimate frisbee. I run. I love backpacking in the mountains, canyons, and desert. I cook and can, mostly with local ingredients. I love magazines, and have a New Yorker addiction. I have a mild obsession with the following things: plant name etymology, political ecology, infographics, independent music, stop action animation, random movie making, and learning to cook and eat acorns.
Where I learned: In 2007 I received my Master’s degree in environmental science from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. My Master’s research concentrated on organic and alternative agriculture in the United States, focusing on how small- and medium-scale niche (mostly organic) farms, managed their farms both agroecologically and economically. I remain fascinated by and integrated into the field of agriculture, both personally and professionally. I also have research interests and field work experience in the realms of environmental education and environmental justice.
I graduated from the University of South Carolina Honors College in 2002. I majored in interdisciplinary studies and focused on environmental politics, communications studies, and graphic communication.
contact me: stephanie[dot]ogburn[at]gmail[dot]com
