Student Success Stories

Deborah Balthazar, Class of 2017

I have just completed the fall semester at New York University, where I am completing a Masters of Arts in Journalism in the Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program (SHERP). So far, I have had the opportunity to explain scientific research, share the stories of people all over the world, and learn the craft of journalism at the world’s oldest science journalism program. 

You might not think that there is a direct correlation between getting a B.A. in biology, along with minors in English and chemistry from Caldwell, and science journalism (honestly I didn’t think so either), but I’m glad that professors encouraged me to nurture my love of storytelling while learning how to research and communicate science, which are important skills to foster when most of the news cycle these days centers around understanding all the new research that is coming out about the COVID-19 pandemic.

As I continue to progress as a science writer, my hope is to show others that there are many opportunities for people who are interested in science besides becoming a doctor or a researcher (Of course some of my classmates are former researchers or future physicians!).

I am thankful to Caldwell University and my internship experience at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH) because they allowed me to explore my interests and opened doors of opportunity that I never would have found on my own.