I worked full time for 26-odd years as a newspaper reporter/photographer and editor of all stripes, culminating at the Los Angeles Times. At roughly the same time I independently produced six award-winning documentaries, most broadcast by PBS affiliates.

In newspaper work I came to specialize in copy editing, working all desks from features to op-ed to foreign. Copy editors are the last line of defense for a publication, responsible for catching errors from misplaced commas to factual goofs and libel. For “dessert,” they write the headlines and photo captions. “Prof Pens Bio Blurb.”

In documentary work I came to specialize in “facial difference” as a subject. Born with a cleft lip and palate and suffering surgically and socially as a result, I explored psychosocial landscapes rich in meaning for the affected people and society alike.

I’ve leavened the heavy stuff with a years-long string of “Teeny-Tiny Films,” best categorized as comic microdocumentaries.

Being also faculty advisor to The Breeze, JMU’s student newspaper, I preach and propound in a campaign to keep the journalism aggressive, ethical and elegant.

Teaching Interests: All things news, as well as video documentary/experimentation

Research/Creative Activities: Journalistic article and/or book writing and general-interest documentaries