I am a Saudi-American journalist with 25 years experience in the Middle East and 11 years in Brazil. I do mainly political and economic analysis, but also do breaking news reporting for television and radio. I speak fluent English Arabic and Portuguese.

The ordeal of entering the USA

27 Feb 2017  |  O Globo  |  Portuguese  |  Travel Restrictions

Entering the USA has become increasingly difficult for foreigners, with stringent visa processes and invasive inspections at entry points. Recent policies have led to the questioning of travelers' political and religious beliefs, and the confiscation of electronic devices. Notable incidents include the detention of a Canadian Muslim woman, an American scientist, a former Norwegian Prime Minister, an Australian author, and a French historian. These actions have led to cancellations of trips to the USA, potentially harming the tourism sector and tech companies reliant on foreign talent. The article criticizes President Trump's immigration policies and proposed budget cuts to international aid and the State Department, arguing for the need for effective diplomacy.

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University of Texas A&M NASA US Government

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Ed Augustin is a British journalist and documentary filmmaker based in Havana. He writes for the Guardian, the New York Times, and Al Jazeera. He does broadcast work for TRT World, France 24 and Al Jazeera.

During his time in Cuba, Ed has made films about Guantánamo Bay, the impact of the US ...

Hurricane Laura Strengthens in the Gulf and Rekindles Dread From Past Storms

25 Aug 2020  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Evacuation

Hurricane Laura intensified to a Category 1 hurricane as it moved through the Gulf of Mexico towards Louisiana and Texas, prompting evacuation orders for about 500,000 residents. Comparisons were drawn to past hurricanes like Rita and Harvey, with officials emphasizing the potential for devastation. Texas Governor Greg Abbott warned of high winds, surging water, and the possibility of tornadoes. The storm had already caused heavy rainfall in Cuba and Jamaica but no casualties were reported. Emergency workers, including the National Guard, were ready to respond in Texas. The storm's approach coincided with the anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, which caused extensive damage in 2017.

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Texas A&M University National Guard

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Laurel Bowman is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

Laurel Bowman is an award-winning television journalist with more than two decades of production and on-camera experience in the television news and production industry.  Her work has aired on the Voice of America (VOA),...

Survey: Most College Students Happy With Their Choices

01 Feb 2024  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  University Satisfaction

Most college students in the United States are satisfied with their college choices, according to a survey reported by Forbes. Texas A&M University's closure of its Qatar campus highlights concerns over foreign espionage, funding, and global instability. Data from Project Atlas indicates a post-pandemic resumption of international studies, with the U.S., U.K., and Canada experiencing rebounds in international student numbers. Land-grant universities in the U.S., which focus on practical education, face budgetary and political challenges.

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University World News Texas A&M University Forbes Project Atlas Land-grant universities

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Inside the Rock's Surprising History

10 Aug 2020  |  Archaeology Magazine  |  English  |  Alcatraz

Alcatraz Island, known for its infamous federal penitentiary, has a rich history predating its prison era. Initially named by Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala in 1775, the island became a U.S. military fortification in the mid-19th century. Archaeological efforts led by experts from various institutions have uncovered remnants of these early fortifications using noninvasive techniques. The island's strategic importance grew during the Gold Rush and Civil War, leading to significant military developments. Post-prison, Alcatraz was occupied by the American Indian Movement in 1969 as a protest. Today, the island is a popular National Park Service site, with ongoing efforts to preserve its historical and cultural legacy.

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Texas A&M University Binghamton University National Park Service Golden Gate National Recreation Area Federal Bureau of Prisons American Indian Movement General Services Administration U.S. Navy

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Emmy Award winner and freelance photographer, producer and occasional camera operator working and collaborating in various documentary projects as well as productions with the world’s leading media companies.

I am a storyteller focusing on under-reported issues and current events, while also ...

Anomalous widespread arid events in Asia over the past 550,000 years

01 Jan 2023  |  OUP Academic  |  English  |  Monsoon Systems

Records from the Maldives Inner Sea sediments reveal high-resolution changes in the Indian Monsoon System over the past 550,000 years. The study demonstrates that continental aridity in Asia tracks sea-level changes, while winter monsoon wind intensity responds to Northern Hemisphere summer insolation. Anomalous widespread arid events in Asia are linked to these climatic factors, showing a strong correlation between the Indian and East Asian Monsoon Systems. The research highlights the influence of glacial-interglacial cycles and insolation on monsoon dynamics, providing a comprehensive understanding of past climate variability.

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Texas A&M University University of São Paulo International Ocean Discovery Program

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James Clark is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom, specialising in sustainable tourism, adventure, and the great outdoors.

Keeping The Faith

19 Jan 2023  |  Incisal Edge – Strategies to Accelerate Success  |  English  |  Career Path

Raina Harrelson, a dental student at Texas A&M School of Dentistry, shares her journey and the importance of a supportive spouse in managing the stresses of dental school. She emphasizes the value of perseverance and nontraditional paths in achieving career goals. Harrelson also discusses the benefits of social media in creating a supportive community and opening opportunities for speaking engagements and brand collaborations.

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University of North Texas Health Science Center Texas A&M School of Dentistry

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Nicholas Davis is a journalist based in Kingston, Jamaica.

Democracy's Meanings

14 May 2024  |  press.umich.edu  |  English  |  Political Theory

Democracy's Meanings explores the diverse perceptions Americans hold about democracy, beyond just voting and elected representation. The book, based on political theory and public opinion data spanning over 75 years, reveals that citizens have complex views on democracy's role in ensuring equality, fairness, and justice. It introduces a typology of views, contrasting procedural and social perspectives on democracy, and also discusses moderate and indifferent attitudes. The authors, Nicholas T. Davis, Keith Gåddie, and Kirby Goidel, provide insights into the challenges facing American democracy and suggest that a democracy delivering social and economic benefits is more likely to be supported by the public.

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George Mason University Iowa State University Texas A&M University University of Oklahoma University of Alabama New America Ipsos Appalachian State University Lehigh University

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I am a journalist based in the Bay Area (Calif.). I write about culture, race, gender, the environment, personal finance, lifestyle and careers as a freelancer.

I graduated from Boston University’s College of Communication (‘15) and was subsequently handpicked to participate in NerdWallet’s ...

Why College Financial Aid Varies From Year to Year

02 Apr 2018  |  Teen Vogue  |  English  |  Higher Education

The article discusses the unpredictability of financial aid for college students in the United States, highlighting personal experiences. Justin Maggio from Rochester Institute of Technology faced an unexpected increase in student debt due to changes in his living situation and family dynamics. Audrey Fisher, a Marylhurst University graduate, dealt with fluctuating financial aid, resulting in significant student loans. Derek Dillinger from Missouri University of Science and Technology lost a scholarship due to a slight GPA shortfall, leading to increased debt and stress. Delisa Falks from Texas A&M University acknowledges that changes in financial aid circumstances are common among students. The article underscores the challenges students face with varying financial aid packages and the impact on their education and well-being.

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Texas A&M University Missouri University of Science and Technology Marylhurst University Rochester Institute of Technology

Yen Duong is a multimedia journalist based in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, she travels often around the region.

Making Wavelets: A Profile of Ingrid Daubechies

12 Jun 2019  |  Simons Foundation  |  English  |  Art Restoration

The article profiles Ingrid Daubechies, a renowned mathematician known for her work on wavelets in signal processing. It draws a parallel between the diversity of her garden and her professional legacy, highlighting her contributions across various fields such as art restoration, evolutionary biology, and electrical engineering. Daubechies' groundbreaking work on wavelets has revolutionized the way signals are processed, particularly in image compression and restoration. The article recounts her academic journey, including her Ph.D. at the Free University of Brussels, her time at Bell Labs, and her tenure at Princeton University. It also touches on her personal life, her marriage to mathematician Robert Calderbank, and her interdisciplinary collaborations, notably the restoration of a 14th-century altarpiece exhibited at the North Carolina Museum of Art.

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Princeton University Free University of Brussels Texas A&M Duke University Courant Institute Bell Labs MacArthur Foundation Simons Foundation North Carolina Museum of Art

Greg Flakus is a journalist based in Houston, United States of America. He retired from a long career at the Voice of America (VOA) in 2017 and has since made short films and shot video for clients. He also continues to write and do voiceover work.

Texas City, Struggling With Floods, Considers Whom to Blame

30 May 2016  |  Voice of America  |  English  |  Climate Change

The article discusses the increasing risk of flooding in coastal and densely populated urban areas, highlighting recent flood events in Houston, Texas, which resulted in deaths and property damage. It addresses the lawsuit filed by Houston residents against the city for approving commercial developments without adequate stormwater management plans. The piece also touches on the broader issue of urban planning in the face of climate change, with rising sea levels and more intense storms. Experts like Samuel Brody and Francisco Sanchez comment on the factors contributing to Houston's flood risk, while Mike Talbot discusses measures being taken by the Harris County Flood Control District and FEMA to mitigate this risk. The article emphasizes the importance of public awareness in preventing flood-related deaths.

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Texas A&M University Houston Office of Emergency Management Harris County Flood Control District Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Alan Greenblatt is a journalist based in St. Louis, United States of America.

Greg Abbott Wants Texas to Be No. 1 in Advanced Nuclear Power

01 Jan 2024  |  www.governing.com  |  English  |  Texas Politics

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is advocating for the state to become a leader in advanced nuclear power, proposing a Texas Nuclear Power Fund to support the development of nuclear power plants. The initiative includes a state-backed loan program and legislative support for nuclear energy infrastructure. Public Utility Commissioner Jimmy Glotfelty emphasized the need for legislative approval and public acceptance of nuclear technology. Texas A&M University is actively involved in nuclear research, with plans to establish a proving ground for small reactors. The article highlights the changing perception of nuclear power and the economic incentives for its development in Texas.

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Texas A&M University System Texas Legislature Public Utility Commission American Conservation Coalition

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Videographer ,photographer ,documentary movie maker

U.S. cereal rye winter cover crop growth database

07 Mar 2024  |  www.nature.com  |  English  |  Data Collection

The article presents a study on cereal rye, a common winter cover crop in the United States, focusing on its biomass production and associated ecosystem services. The study compiled plot-level observations from various agronomic, soil, and climate conditions across the eastern half of the United States. Data included biomass, nitrogen content, carbon to nitrogen ratio, and other agronomic and soil metrics. The study aimed to help farmers optimize cover crop termination timing for maximum benefits and support the adoption of winter cover crops for climate resilience and reduced soil erosion. The dataset excluded outliers and observations from sites terminating cover crops after May. Statistical analysis was performed using R software, and the final dataset showed a mean cereal rye biomass of 3,428 kg ha−1. The variability in biomass production was attributed to differences in agronomic, soil, and climate factors.

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Texas A&M University Purdue University West Texas A&M University Tennessee State University University of Maryland USDA-ARS University of Nebraska-Lincoln Virginia Tech University of Missouri University of Kentucky University of Vermont Extension University of Florida Ohio State University North Carolina State University Louisiana State University AgCenter Iowa State University University of Minnesota Cornell University Michigan State University McGill University University of Delaware Mississippi State University Navajo Technical University University of Arkansas Clemson University University of Wisconsin–Madison Montana State University Pennsylvania State University University of Tennessee at Martin Beltsville Agricultural Research Station

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shakhawat Hossain is a journalist based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Isolation and Characterization of Bacterial Endophytes from Small Nodules of Field-Grown Peanut

29 Jul 2023  |  MDPI  |  English  |  Peanut Agriculture

The study isolated and characterized 87 indigenous bacterial endophytes from small nodules of field-grown peanut roots, revealing a diverse range of microorganisms including Bacillus, Burkholderia, Enterobacter, Herbaspirillum, Mistsuaria, Pantoea, Pseudomonas, and Rhizobia. These isolates were tested for stress tolerance and plant growth-promoting traits such as ammonia production, indole-3-acetic acid production, and phosphate solubilization. The findings indicate that these bacterial endophytes have potential biotechnological applications for sustainable crop improvement, particularly in enhancing biomass production and stress tolerance in peanuts.

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Tarleton State University Texas A&M AgriLife Research Texas A&M University

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Monica Lopez is a journalist based in Los Angeles, United States of America.

Can you say these Corpus Christi place names? These are some of the most difficult to say

19 Jul 2019  |  Corpus Christi Caller-Times  |  English  |  Culture

Shannon Fitzsimmons-Doolan, an applied linguistics coordinator at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, explains that language variations lead to multiple pronunciations of words, influenced by social interactions and the language of a word's origin. The article lists several Corpus Christi place names, detailing their origins, common mispronunciations, and correct pronunciations according to local usage. Place names discussed include Kostoryz Road, Lipan Street, Tancahua Street, Carancahua Street, the city of Refugio, Riviera, and the Corpus Christi Army Depot. The fast-food chain Whataburger is also mentioned as an example of pronunciation variation.

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Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Corpus Christi Army Depot

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Jenny Manrique is a freelance journalist based in San Francisco, United States of America.

Now is Not the Time to Drop Our Guard on COVID, Experts Say

04 Aug 2022  |  The Contra Costa Pulse | Community news and youth voices for Contra Costa County  |  English  |  Vaccination

Health experts emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant against COVID-19 despite increased vaccination rates. They warn that the virus is here to stay and future variants will continue to pose challenges. Updated vaccines, including nasal vaccines, are seen as crucial for long-term protection. The BA.5 subvariant is currently dominant in the U.S., and there is concern about underreporting of cases. Masks remain essential, especially for high-risk individuals, and wastewater inspections could provide better insights into infection rates. Therapeutics like PAXLOVID are effective, but vaccines are still the most critical tool in combating the virus.

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Texas A&M University Vanderbilt University School of Medicine University of California, San Francisco Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Ethnic Media Services Food and Drug Administration Justice Department

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Martha Pskowski is a journalist based in Mexico City, Mexico.
She reports for U.S., Mexican and U.K. news outlets on environmental justice, immigration, urbanism and gender. Her work reporting in Mexico and Central America has appeared in Al Jazeera English, The Guardian, and CityLab, among other ...

Texas’ environmental agency enables companies to increase oilfield wastewater disposal in rivers

17 Aug 2023  |  www.oaoa.com  |  English  |  Water Pollution

Texas' environmental agency is enabling companies to increase the disposal of oilfield wastewater into rivers, despite concerns from researchers and environmental advocates about the potential health and environmental risks. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is encouraging oil and gas companies to apply for discharge permits, even though studies indicate that produced water contains harmful chemicals and toxins. Critics argue that the state is moving forward without thorough risk assessments and adequate regulatory standards. The article highlights the ongoing debate between economic interests and environmental safety, with various stakeholders including researchers, environmental groups, and industry representatives weighing in on the issue.

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New Mexico State University University of Texas at El Paso Texas A&M University Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Environmental Protection Agency Sierra Club Environmental Defense Fund

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Louisa Reynolds is a freelance journalist and translator based in Guatemala. Although Guatemala is the main focus of her work, she has done reporting trips to Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Honduras, Panama and Belize.
She has done live interviews for CNN, Radio France International, Monocle News Daily,...

Steven Savage is a journalist based in Newark, NJ, United States.  He is capable of covering events in NYC and Northern New Jersey on short notice.  He is an experienced former New York and New Jersey-based criminal defense attorney who has significant broadcast and audio experience.  He is also a ...

From NASA to MIT, how artificial intelligence is spraying crops with precision

01 Jul 2024  |  forbes.com.br  |  Portuguese  |  Agricultural Technology

Precision agriculture is revolutionizing modern farming with technologies like GPS-guided equipment and AI-driven systems. AgZen, a startup founded by MIT alumnus Vishnu Jayaprakash, has developed a precision spraying system that optimizes pesticide use, reducing costs while maintaining effectiveness. Tested in various crops, this technology promises significant savings and environmental benefits. The article highlights the role of institutions like NASA, MIT, and regulatory bodies like the EPA and USDA in advancing and ensuring the safety of agricultural innovations.

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University of Massachusetts Texas A&M University NASA MIT EPA USDA

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Born in 1975. A photojournalst, based in Tel Aviv, Israel. At present, I focus on documentary photography and photojournalism. My photographs have been published in various International magazines, 

EXPERIENCE 2005 - Present  

•Freelance photojournalist for several magazines: Time Magazine, ...

Ancient Shipwreck Preserves a Deep Bronze Age Time Capsule

20 Jun 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Shipwreck

The oldest shipwreck ever discovered in deep water has been found in the Mediterranean Sea, 56 miles off the coast of northern Israel. The Israel Antiquities Authority announced the discovery of a Bronze Age merchant vessel, estimated to have sunk between 1400 B.C. and 1300 B.C. The shipwreck, containing intact Canaanite amphorae, is considered a significant find due to the rarity of such discoveries from this period. Cemal Pulak, a nautical archaeologist, emphasized the importance of the find, noting the scarcity of Bronze Age shipwrecks with cargo in the Mediterranean.

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Texas A&M University Israel Antiquities Authority

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