Meet Our Reporters
Syed Ali
Syed Ali is a visual storyteller with a background in photojournalism. His portfolio includes projects with UNICEF, The Citizens Foundation and Harvard Ed. magazine. With a focus on cultural stories, he’s passionate about projects that highlight the strength and resilience of marginalized communities. When he’s not behind the camera, Syed can be found at a tennis court in St. Louis practicing his serve.
Ways to connect with Syed:
September 2024, you have been beautiful!
I was happily surprised having received an email from NPR’s Next Gen team about the upcoming bootcamp. As I scrolled through the acceptance email in my design class, I was already daydreaming about all the talented people I’d meet and the stories I’d get to tell. A...
Hannah Artman
Hannah Artman (she/her) is a researcher at the Missouri School of Journalism, where, for the next two years, she will be studying the impacts of “news deserts” in rural communities. She recently graduated with her Ph.D. in communication from the University of Miami, where her work focused on qualitative approaches to news, disinformation, and Spanish-language media. She previously worked at a political research and consulting firm based in Miami, is the former executive producer of a radio program-turned-podcast, and has led the digital strategy on several congressional campaigns. When she is not researching or writing, the stereotypical millennial can be found baking sourdough or repurposing old clothes.
Ways to connect with Hannah:
Forging your own path
As an avid NPR listener, I first heard about Next Gen Radio’s project in St. Louis in 2023. I applied and didn’t get chosen, so when I heard the project was coming back in 2024, I was hesitant to submit another application. The overachiever in me, however, trumped my...
Roshae Hemmings
Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in St. Louis. She is a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, where she wrote for The Maneater, Columbia Missourian and Vox Magazine. Her work has also appeared in Denver’s 5280 magazine, where she explored the city’s food scene. She is currently a travel writer, editor and producer for DETOUR, a digital publication highlighting Black voices within the travel space. Food, pop culture analysis, travel, and social justice are among some of Roshae’s passions, many of which she explores through her work.
When she isn’t working, Roshae loves to watch reality dating TV and video essays, live vicariously through her favorite van-life YouTubers, spend time with family and friends, try out a new recipe idea, or lift heavy at the gym.
Ways to connect with Roshae:
‘I am a great journalist now and in the making’
The best stories are the ones that stick with you long after the interview is over. That’s how I feel about my experience profiling Jeff Perkins. Jeff, AKA DJ PBNJEFFY, is a perfect combination of effortlessly cool and grounded. When my mentor, Katie, and I walked...
Darrious Varner
he/him
Darrious Varner is a theatre artist known for directing, acting, and producing live music and theatre in the St. Louis area. Most recently he joined the board of Aquarian Rising Productions, a new Black-owned and operated theatre company in St. Louis. Darrious has been in numerous professional and community-produced shows both offstage and on. Darrious took his first stab at broadcasting with his podcast Mental Health Chat Monday, an interview-style podcast where guests were invited to share their personal journey with mental health and wellness. Mental health awareness is very important to Darrious and he incorporates that into all his work.
Ways to connect with Darrious:
Inevitable things
Looking back on this experience — from the very first interactions via email, to sending in what I felt was a half-done pitch, to pivoting, to working with my mentor, to now being an alumni of this program — I am filled with so much gratitude. I have wanted to work...
Jacob Wiegand
he/him
Jacob Wiegand is a photojournalist based in St. Louis. Jacob places a strong emphasis on the importance of feature storytelling, believing that the chronicles of everyday life and regular people are of high value. He currently works as a photojournalist for the St. Louis Review and Catholic St. Louis magazine, which documents Catholic life in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. He is also expanding his journalism skills into the audio-reporting world. Jacob is originally from West Frankfort, a small town in Southern Illinois. He now lives in Maplewood, Missouri, with his wife, Leidy, and their cat, Dragon.
Ways to connect with Jacob:
Expanding my journalism skills to the audio world
The NPR Next Generation Radio project was a great experience in learning the ins and outs of reporting an audio-driven story. I’ve been an avid NPR listener for years and am a regular consumer of numerous podcasts. As a photojournalist in my daily work, I’m no...