SSN Media Fellowship

Background

In an era where effective communication and engagement are paramount, the ability to harness the power of media is crucial for advancing public understanding and shaping policy debates. Launched in 2023 and designed to empower SSN members who are new to media work, the SSN Media Fellowship is a new initiative to pair a small group of selected SSN members with mentors from the network, while also providing custom support from the national staff.

Program Overview

This program equips a small cohort of scholars who are seeking to expand their media work with the skills and strategies necessary to effectively communicate their research findings to a diverse audience across various media platforms, including television, radio, print, op-eds, and social media. Harnessing the power of SSN’s substantial network of publicly engaged scholars, SSN members with significant experience in the media and a relevant research agenda act as year-long mentors to SSN Media Fellows, offering their advice, feedback, and guidance to help expand the fellow’s reach and impact via the media. Additional, hands-on media workshops facilitated by SSN national staff provide fellows with the basic skills and background for engaging in media work. Finally, fellows are provided with tailored support by SSN national staff as media opportunities arise over the course of the fellowship.

Meet the 2024-25 SSN Media Fellows

University of Nebraska at Omaha

Benenson's research focuses on civic engagement, nonprofit organizations, social policy, and inequality. She serves as the Academic Director for the U.S. Department of State's YSEALI Institute on Civic Engagement. Benenson founded the Women and Public Policy initiative at the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2017 to amplify policy issues that affect women and girls in Nebraska. In addition, Benenson serves on the national board of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network, as member of the Women's Fund of Omaha Circles, on the advisory board of Huespring, and as the nominating committee chair of the League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha.

Purdue University

Flachs's research focuses on the sociocultural and socioecological aspects of local and global agriculture systems. Overarching themes in Flachs's writings include the lived experiences of agricultural technologies, the value of local management knowledge in managing complex agro-ecologies, and the socioeconomic impact of revivalist or alternative food systems. At Purdue University, Flachs works with agricultural extension to help build community partnerships and understand how new technologies and programs serve the needs of farmers and eaters.

Emory University
Ebony D. Johnson Headshot

Ebony D. Johnson, Ph.D., M.S. is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health. An interdisciplinary researcher, she bridges sociology, epidemiology, and demography to advance health equity, focusing on brain health, injury prevention, and infectious disease ecology. Dr. Johnson’s work integrates mixed methods and community-based research to address complex health challenges in marginalized communities. Committed to decolonizing research, she translates academic scholarship into actionable policy and impactful community engagement.

University of Baltimore
kronick headshot

Kronick’s scholarship derives from her experiences as a clinician and former public defender, focusing on criminal law and procedure, forensic science, post-conviction litigation, sentencing, and intellectual disability. Kronick’s research examines practical issues facing the criminal legal system through theoretical lenses that underpin the system. In addition to teaching constitutional criminal procedure, Kronick directs the University of Baltimore Criminal Defense and Advocacy Clinic.

Southern Methodist University

Lemi's research focuses on race, ethnic, and gender politics. Overarching themes in Lemi's writings include multiracial identity, colorism, legislative politics, and campaign strategies.

2023-24 SSN Media Fellows

Center for Alcohol, Substance Use, and Addictions at the University of New Mexico
Florida International University
Syracuse University
Drexel University