A statement often attributed to George Orwell says “journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed: everything else is public relations”. Today’s data availability constitutes an invaluable source for journalists.  However, making the most of it requires the skills to find information hidden within the data, and learn how to best combine these skills with traditional journalistic practices. Prior to graduate school I worked as a journalist, and data-driven investigative journalism continues to be one of my passions. I am a distinguished member of Connectas Hub, a network of journalists across the Americas. 

Investigative journalism publications

Endangered Social Leaders (2018): Our social enterprise, Early, partnered with Connectas and El Pais de Cali. Through a data-driven investigation, we provide insight into the surge in murders of social leaders that Colombia has witnessed since its peace process. For this project, Benedikt Boecking and I were in charge of data analysis. Awarded 2nd place Premio ¡Investiga! 2019.

Sexual Violence in El Salvador (2016): Data-driven coverage of sexual violence in El Salvador. For this project, I was in charge of data analysis. This piece later received attention from newspapers in Colombia and Mexico.  

The Jungle Highway (2012): In-depth coverage of the impact of a 5,404-km Interoceanic Highway that connects Peru’s Pacific to Brazil’s Atlantic. In this project I was one of the two researchers involved.

Opinion pieces

Algorithms and crime: Bogota (Colombia) announced the implementation of predictive policing. Maria Cuellar and I co-wrote this piece discussing the risks of these technologies. What risks emerge in the Colombian context? What can we learn from US experiences to prevent similar problems?