The AGU Newsroom is a small but mighty team dedicated to sharing neat and newsworthy science. We are passionate about helping AGU scientists and anyone who publishes in one of our 24 peer-reviewed journals spread the word about their research. For information about working with the Newsroom to publicize work published in AGU journals, see our Publicity FAQ. Don’t hesitate to email the newsroom with any inquiries.
Samson Reiny
Media and Public Relations Assistant Director
Samson (he/him) joined the AGU Newsroom in 2022. After graduating with a master’s degree in journalism from the University of California, Berkeley, he toiled as a freelance reporter before spending a decade communicating NASA science and missions in a number of roles.
Liza Lester, Ph.D.
Media Relations Manager
Liza (she/her) joined the AGU Newsroom in 2018. She holds a Ph.D. in cellular and molecular biology from the University of Washington and previously worked as a press officer for the Ecological Society of America. Liza is based in Washington, D.C.
Rebecca Dzombak, Ph.D.
Media Relations Specialist
Rebecca (she/her) has been with the AGU Newsroom since 2021. Prior to that, she received her Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Michigan. She is based in Olympia, Washington, and does not miss the humidity of the Midwest. She has an affinity for stories about agriculture, environmental injustice, and straight-up nerdy geology.
We are accepting applications for our 2024 fellowship (June-December, full-time, paid) through early May. Applicants should have completed their undergraduate degree by the start date. Reach out to us at [email protected] with any questions.
Previous Media Relations interns
If you’re interested in our internship (now fellowship) program, please email [email protected] with “Media relations fellowship” in the subject. We invite folks who have completed their undergraduate degree and have some science writing experience to get in touch!
Shannon Banks, Fall 2023. Shannon is open to freelance assignments! | Shannon’s LinkedIn
Gabriella Lewis, Summer-Fall 2023. Now a proposal specialist with Global Science and Technology, Inc. |LinkedIn
Kirsten Steinke, Winter 2022. A 2023-2024 Sea Grant Knauss Fellow in marine science policy. | @Kirsten_Steinke
Derek J. Smith, Fall 2022. Currently a science writer for Univ. of Michigan Engineering |@djsmitty156
Aara’L Yarber, Summer 2022. Recently completed her AAAS Mass Media Fellowship with the Washington Post | @yarber79
Emily Cerf, Fall 2021. Currently a science writer at UCSC
Jack Lee, Fall 2020. Currently on the weather data beat for the San Francisco Chronicle | @jackjlee
Jerald Pinson, Fall 2020. Currently a freelance science journalist | @jerald_pinson
Rachel Fritts, Summer 2020. Currently with Tangled Bank Studios as HHMI | @rachel_fritts
Newsroom consultants
Beezus and Ramone
Beezus cat and Ramone live in D.C. with Liza.
Angelo and Audrey
Angelo and Audrey live in Olympia, WA with Becca. They love helping by sitting on her keyboard.