Join us at the 2026 Outrider Science Media Forum

In collaboration with NASA’s Health and Applied Sciences Team (HAQAST), the Outrider Science Media Forum offers journalists, digital creators, and scientists opportunities to learn about and discuss the latest tools and trends in science reporting.

May 14, 2026The Pyle Center, Madison, Wisconsin

Outrider’s Science Media Forum connects journalists with NASA’s latest technology to help them cover local science stories. This free, one-day event shows media professionals how to use NASA research and resources in their reporting on health and the environment.

Program Schedule

7:30-8:30 a.m.

Coffee & Conversation

Join us for a networking breakfast in the Pyle Center Lee Lounge. This is an opportunity for journalists and NASA's HAQAST scientists to mingle and meet.

9:00 am

Welcome and Introductions

David Vitse

Chief Climate Officer, Outrider Foundation

9:10 a.m.

Science and Media Resources for Journalists, Featuring Two Interactive NASA Tools

NASA offers interactive tools that help journalists report on environmental and health issues in their communities. This live session will demonstrate how to use these resources effectively.

Hazem Mahmoud, Ph.D.

ASDC DAAC Scientist, Contractor, Atmospheric Science Data Center, Science Directorate, NASA Langley Research Center

9:20 a.m.

Covering the Uncovered: NASA Stories Journalists Need to Know About in 2026

NASA’s HAQAST scientists from across the country are excited to connect with journalists. They will share a range of story ideas to help you cover health and environmental topics in your community.

Christopher Uejio

Professor of Geography & Public Health, Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine Florida State University

Jonathan Martin

Professor, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of Wisconsin

Steve Ackerman

Emeritus Professor, Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of Wisconsin

Arlene Fiore

Peter H. Stone and Paola Malanotte Stone Professor of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, MIT

Randall V. Martin

Raymond R. Tucker Distinguished Professor Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering Washington University in St. Louis

10:05 a.m.

Improving Public Health Care through Quality Journalism

Katherine Reed

Director of Education and Content, Association of Health Care Journalists

10:15 - 10:45 a.m.

Coffee Break

10:45 a.m.

Legacies Revisited: Updates on Historic Environmental Successes

Science journalism plays a key role in making communities healthier and cleaner. What can today’s journalists learn from past successes when covering environmental and climate change stories?

Tracey Holloway

Professor, University of Wisconsin and NASA HAQAST Team Leader

Michael Hawthorne

Environment and Public Health Reporter, Chicago Tribune

Sarah Benish

National Atmospheric Deposition Program Coordinator, University of Wisconsin

Brad Pierce

Director, Space Science and Engineering Center, University of Wisconsin

11:30 a.m.

Data for the Novice

Journalists benefit from practical strategies and real examples of how NASA’s resources impact local communities. Experts will show how to overcome common barriers to using data, even when deadlines are tight.

Caitlin Looby

Great Lakes reporter, The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Rebecca Leber

Investigative Researcher and Journalist

Sylvia Troost

Project Director, U.S. Conservation, The Pew Charitable Trusts

Kevin Crowe

Climate Data Reporter, The Washington Post

12:15 - 1:15 p.m.

Roundtables & Rooftop Lunch

1:30 p.m.

Preparing Students for the Media Landscape of Tomorrow

Kathleen Bartzen Culver

Director and James E. Burgess Chair in Journalism Ethics, UW-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication

1:45 p.m.

New Tools and Tactics for Journalism Impact

Journalism is evolving to reach audiences in new ways. These journalists are finding creative approaches to talk about climate change beyond traditional written stories.

Andrew Revkin

Environmental Journalist, Sustain What

Kevin Wurm

Photographer & Visual Journalist

Evan Simon

Investigative Producer, Floodlight News

Bea Malsky

Graphics/Multimedia Editor, Extreme Weather Team, The New York Times

2:35 p.m.

Helping Journalists Report on Society and the Environment Through Experiential Learning

Adam Hinterthuer

Associate Director, Institute for Journalism & Natural Resources

2:45-3:15 p.m.

Coffee Break

3:15 p.m.

Introducing the 2026 Outrider Nuclear Reporting Summit

Robert K. Elder

President & CEO, Outrider Foundation

3:30 p.m.

Earth Data for Security Reporting

From space-based satellites to ground-based data, Earth observations help manage risks related to security and extreme weather. How can communities use this data to understand better and reduce their risks?

Tara Drozdenko

Director, Global Security Program, Union of Concerned Scientists

Sébastien Philippe

MacArthur Fellow and Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Bernadette Woods Placky

VP Engagement, Climate Matters Director, Chief Meteorologist, Climate Central

4:15 p.m.

Good news, environmental stories that inspire optimism

There are positive stories to share about local community environments. How can we report on health and environmental challenges while still offering hope?

Will Doig

Executive Editor, Reasons to be Cheerful

Kate Morgan

Climate Storyteller

Anika Jane Beamer

Reporter, Inside Climate News

5:15-6:30 p.m.

Roundtables & Cocktail Reception

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register?

How do travel grants work?

What does my registration include?

Where is the Forum being held?

Is there a designated hotel?

Will presentations be recorded?

Are meals provided?

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Program Schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

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