Join us as we welcome back three English alumni now working in journalism in various capacities, as they discuss how their experience and education at the University of Rochester impacted their paths. It's a part of the Bright Futures for Humanities Majors Samuels Family Speaker Series, and it is open to all students (particularly those majoring in the humanities). Melissa Balmain, lecturer of English, will moderate the discussion.

**PLEASE ENTER THROUGH GLASS DOORS ON THE LAM SQUARE SIDE OF THE ROOM**

OUR PANELISTS:

Melissa Goldin '13 is a news verification reporter at The Associated Press, where she debunks, analyzes and tracks mis/disinformation spreading online. She writes about a diverse array of subject matter, such as U.S. elections, international conflicts and fake alien invasions. Previously, Melissa was a staff analyst and newsletter editor at NewsGuard Technologies. She was the editor-in-chief of the Campus Times in 2012, followed by a year as a publisher in 2013. Melissa is based in New York City.

Jackie Powell '18 is an award-winning multimedia journalist who primarily covers women's basketball, blending her deep passion for sports and pop culture, with a dedication to telling stories about activism, philanthropy, and social impact in athletics. Her work as appeared in outlets such as NBCSports.com, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo Sports, MSNBC.com, Locked on Women's Basketball and The IX Basketball. When she's not reporting, writing, or podcasting, Jackie is a devoted Lady Gaga fan, a pop music connoisseur, and a mental health advocate who loves to sing.

Jason Silverstein '13 is an independent journalist, photographer and documentary filmmaker, who has been working in New York City for more than a decade. He has worked as a staff reporter and editor at CBS News, The New York Times, and the New York Daily News, and has taught journalism at Brooklyn College. His documentary feature, "Our 20s" premiered at the 2024 Art of Brooklyn Film Festival. He also released a documentary about Job Corps in October 2025 through the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism. Silverstein got his start at his hometown newspaper, The Buffalo News, and was editor-in-chief of the Campus Times in 2011.