Meet the Idaho Statesman’s 2024 summer interns and our science fellow
Each summer the Idaho Statesman newsroom hosts a group of aspiring journalism professionals. They bring new energy and perspectives to our community and add another layer to our coverage. This year we have two news interns, Elena Gastaldo and Samuel O’Neal, and science fellow, Elizabeth Walsh.
We asked them to introduce themselves to our readers.
Elizabeth Walsh
Hello, I’m Elizabeth and I am a Ph.D. student at the University of Nevada, Reno, studying biochemistry.
My research focuses on how viruses interact with mosquito immune systems. While we know a lot about how mosquito-borne viruses infect humans, we don’t have a great understanding of how they infect mosquitoes.
I grew up in Washington and have always loved the outdoors and been curious about how things work, which led me to science.
During graduate school, I became interested in science communications and spent time telling people not only about my research but about the research of other scientists.
Through the American Association for the Advancement of Science Mass Media Fellowship, I am able to write about science in Idaho at the Idaho Statesman and learn more about journalism from experts.
Contact Elizabeth at ewalsh@idahostatesman.com.
Read Elizabeth’s latest story.
Samuel O’Neal
My name is Samuel O’Neal and I’m one of the news interns at the Idaho Statesman this summer.
I’m originally from Laurel, Delaware, about 20 minutes from the Rehoboth Beach coast, but I’ve been living in Philadelphia the last three years.
I’m a senior journalism major at Temple University and I am the editor-in-chief of The Temple News, the university’s student-run newspaper. Last summer I interned in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s state capital, covering state politics for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Spotlight Pa, PennLive and LancasterOnline. I’ve also interned with NBC10, Philadelphia’s NBC Affiliate.
I’m super excited to continue reporting on the Treasure Valley and its residents. Feel free to reach out with any tips, pitches or Boise recommendations!
Contact Samuel at soneal@idahostatesman.com.
Elena Gastaldo
My name is Elena Gastaldo. I’m originally from Italy and I just graduated from Columbia Journalism School in New York, where I covered the South Bronx and immigration.
This summer I’ll be working as a general assignment reporter on the business and local government team.
I love talking to people and getting to experience living in a new place, so I’m so excited to be a part of this newsroom and to learn more about Boise and Idaho every day of this internship.
Contact Elena at egastaldo@idahostatesman.com.
