Jo Ann Livingston

I am a Texas-based writer/journalist with more than 25 years of experience, who has worked primarily for smaller, community-oriented newspapers. I obtained my Master of Journalism degree at the Frank W. Mayborn Graduate Institute of Journalism, University of North Texas, in Denton, and my Ph.D. in Information Science at UNT's College of Information. I now serve as an adjunct professor at UNT in addition to pursuing my journalistic endeavors.

My Ph.D. is interdisciplinary and reflects my studies in journalism, anthropology, and information science. My research interests include social network analysis and the information behavior of and access to information by marginalized populations.

As a journalist, I've written on a gamut of topics, from animal rescues to pancake breakfasts to cops/courts and major investigative pieces. Much of my work has involved utilizing the Open Records and Freedom of Information acts, and I thoroughly enjoy discovering what information there might be on any given topic.

Along the way, I've had the privilege of working alongside some phenomenal people. They were and are more than co-workers and colleagues – I count them as friends, mentors and major influences on my life. My life has been blessed and is much more complete because of their presence and support.