Ensuring Social Justice in Journalism
Carlie LaFauci '25
Stoneham, Massachusetts
What drew you to this field of study?
I tried out a couple different majors at UMass before finding the right fit in the Department of Journalism. As a kid, I always loved writing articles about people’s daily lives in a little rainbow notebook. I’m also trying to write two fiction books right now with the hope of getting them published. I guess that passion for writing carried over into my adulthood. I honestly don’t know why I didn’t recognize it sooner.
How do you conduct your research?
Together with my research advisor, Assistant Professor of Journalism Kelsey Whipple, I conducted a qualitative textual analysis of The New York Times’s coverage of transgender individuals and gender-affirming care. This research method involves collecting a series of articles that revolve around one discussion or theme and reading them over repeatedly to identify patterns between them. In my case, I collected and analyzed 46 articles published in the Times between February 1, 2023, and March 28, 2024, and identified several ways that newsrooms can and should improve their coverage of trans individuals.
What do you see as the impact—or potential impact—of your work?
I’ll start by saying that trans people have always existed. It is more important now than ever that coverage of trans individuals accurately depicts both their successes and struggles. I hope that this research, and the improvements we suggested, help journalists cover trans people accurately without unmerited harmful opinions being added to their reporting. One example of a suggested improvement is for journalists to include more trans sources in their stories about trans experiences. Journalism should be a tool for positive societal change, and I believe this research will help contribute to that effort.
How does your faculty mentor support your research?
Practically in every possible way! Professor Whipple is one of the most determined, kind, patient, and intelligent people I’ve ever met. From the very beginning of our time working together, she has taken extra time to make sure that I understand the research methods, expressed her utmost confidence in me, and let me try leading different parts of the research process before giving me feedback and edits. On top of that, she helped me apply to graduate schools and for scholarships, and even encouraged me to apply for the Rising Researcher award! Truly, I couldn’t ask for a better faculty mentor!
Journalism should be a tool for positive societal change, and I believe this research will help contribute to that effort.
What do you find most exciting about your research?
I am most excited about the fact that this research has a chance to actually help people and make an impact. I’ve always tried to treat the people around me kindly, but I always hoped to extend that kindness to people outside my immediate circle of friends and family. I feel like this research is one way I can do this, and that alone has made me excited throughout the research process.
What are you most proud of?
I don’t know if this is weird to say, but I’m really proud of myself. I was at a low point in my educational and personal life when Dr. Whipple offered me the opportunity to become her research assistant. Now, practically a year later, I’ve done so much in the world of research: I’ve been a teaching assistant for two classes, I’m presenting this research at a conference in the summer, and I’ve become more confident about myself than I’ve ever been before. I can just look back at the past year and truly be proud of myself for the first time in my life, and I think that’s really lovely.
How has your research enhanced your overall educational experience at UMass?
Research has enhanced my educational experience practically in every way. I grew up thinking that research was only something that happened in STEM, so being offered a research position in journalism truly shifted everything I knew about what I could do in academia. Research has helped me expand on all the practical knowledge I’ve acquired through my journalism courses. On top of that, Dr. Whipple and I have a lot of similar research interests, so working on research with her just feels like I’m taking another more in-depth class on subjects that I’m already incredibly passionate about.
What are your plans for the future?
After UMass, I’m heading off to an M.S. in journalism program at Boston University with the hopes of ultimately earning my Ph.D. and becoming a journalism professor. I’ll probably work in the industry for a year or two before I start applying for positions in higher education. I’d like to continue doing research and writing articles. However, if the universe throws something completely different my way, I will try my hardest to tackle it head-on.
Why would you recommend UMass to a friend?
I’d likely recommend UMass because of the Department of Journalism alone. All the faculty and staff are incredibly sweet, and the department itself is small, so every student gets a lot of hands-on experience and personal feedback on their writing!