Medill Work
Below is the final report produced through the Medill Digital Innovation Project in the fall of 2009. In a team of eight we worked to reinvent the editorial tone, content and design of legacy.com, a national website that manages online obituaries for newspapers. We ran a class blog during the quarter, available at www.obitresearch.com, and we presented our recommendations in a final presentation. The report, which outlines the findings of our initial research, garnered much attention and was cited by the Washington Post.
The State of the American Obituary
Below you will find links to stories written for the Health and Science desk of the Medill News Service between March and August 2009. Several of these stories were also picked up by other news outlets. The first three stories were written as part of an advanced health and science reporting seminar. Please also see video, radio and interactive Flash work by clicking the Multimedia tab.
Reconciling religion and infertility
DNA analysis intensifies evolution debate
Illinois programs tackle Africa’s nursing shortage
This story was also published in the Austin Weekly News
Young adults becoming victims of growing apathy over HIV-AIDS
This story was also published in the Northwest Indiana Times
The latest pet: Seal robot brings smiles to the sick
Patients in-line for heart transplants rely on temporary devices
A defense of nuclear power by a former anti-nuke activist
Awareness of stroke facts can save lives
Elderly more likely to miss signs of stroke, neurologist confirms (Q&A)
Drug’s effect on cancer cells may impact tumor treatment
New device may provide noninvasive biopsy and treatment guide
Head injuries: Tips to know when they are dangerous