Writing clips

I graduated from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, with a focus on covering religion. After a time stringing with Religion News Service, I started work at Time, Inc. (now DotDash Meredith) where I have been since 2005, both as a writer and editor. I freelance when I can.

WIRED, October Issue, 2022

Larping and Loving

The piece explores of the Nordic Larp scene, in which extreme role-play scenarios push players to the breaking point. It was chosen as a read of the week by the Best of Journalism substack and Longreads.

Proto, Spring issue, 2022

The Secret Life of Francis Collins

Veteran NIH chief—and Biden’s cabinet-level scientist—shares how he keeps a toe in the world of research during decades of life in public service.

Proto, September, 2021

Science is Failing. Good.

Nicholas Holmes, a British neuroscientist, wants to come clean about all of his research misdeeds—and invites other scientists to follow.

Proto, November, 2020

Rage in the Streets

The Cholera Riots of the 1830s show how anger can pivot towards the medical profession in times of pandemic.

Nautilus, February issue, 2014

How We Make Gods

The early internet became home to a new form of role play—and gave birth to experiments in onllne divinity.

Al Jazeera America, 2014

An Indulgence for the Pope

This op-ed looks at the moves from the newly-installed Pope Francis to thaw relations with the LGBT+ community.

Boston Review, 2012

The Holy Game

Tim Tebow’s Christianity on the field is part of a tradition that goes back millennia. So why is it so hard for Americans to accept?

Boston Review, 2011

The Morning After Marriage

This essay debates the merits of new laws and organizing efforts to include more people in marriage as it stands.