Beyond spreadsheets: Alumna guides students in data-driven storytelling
Roy Howard Visiting Journalist-in-Residence, BS’11 (environmental science), returned to campus this fall as an adjunct instructor at The Media School, specializing in data journalism. She also supports students within the Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism, aligning their investigative efforts and goals with personal interests.
Gawthrop earned a master’s in both climate and society and journalism from Columbia University and currently works as a data journalist for APM Research Lab. The lab conducts research projects of all types — surveys, demographic analyses, literature reviews, and more — and informs the work of partner organizations and the broader public.
Gawthrop identifies a critical and skeptical mindset as the most important skill for professionals in the field. She discusses the importance of avoiding confirmation bias in data analysis and the need for unbiased reporting.
“In data journalism, it’s important to look at all sides and be rigorous, even with simple analyses. You don’t need complex math — just ensure you’re interpreting the data in the right context,” says Gawthrop.
Through this perspective, Gawthrop aims to help students feel confident in their ability to perform data journalism with integrity and accuracy.
In her work with the Arnolt Center, Gawthrop’s efforts include organizing boot camps with data journalism students while coordinating with the faculty liaison for student media. She emphasizes the importance of student-led initiatives and being responsive to their needs.
Looking at the spring of 2025, Gawthrop will also lead an elective journalism Media School course titled Decoding Climate Change, which is open to students of all majors who are interested in using data to tell stories.
The class will be interactive with students working on in-class assignments and coding projects designed to analyze climate data and craft compelling narratives. Gawthrop aims to provide students with new ways of thinking and problem-solving that spreadsheets alone cannot offer.
With her unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm, Gawthrop is not just teaching students to analyze data, but also inspiring them to tackle complex challenges through data-driven storytelling. Her commitment to fostering critical thinking and innovative approaches ensures her students are well-prepared to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of journalism.