Karen McIntyre
I am working on my final year in the journalism and mass communication doctorate program at UNC, where I research the processes and effects of digital media. More specifically, I am interested in media psychology (how media make people think, feel, and behave). I am writing my dissertation on a new movement called constructive journalism, which involves applying positive psychology techniques to news work in an effort to get people engaged through more productive stories that improve the well being of individuals and society.
Most recently before beginning my doctorate program, I worked as a researcher for National Geographic Channel’s documentary series, Taboo, after having appeared on the show to speak as an expert on balloon fetishism – the topic I wrote about for my master’s thesis at Berkeley.
I aim to teach and research journalism at a university post graduation. I have taught journalism at various levels, including now at UNC, where I teach website design and development to undergraduate students.
My background is in journalism. I have worked as a self-sufficient journalist who can report, write, photograph, film, edit, design and develop – both in California and overseas.
The year before attending Berkeley, I visited more than a dozen countries. I love to travel as much as I love to be home, in North Lake Tahoe. Post high school graduation, I earned by BA in journalism, backpacked Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, lived a year in Luxembourg and worked at three Northern California daily newspapers. I would be excited to tell you more. Please contact me.