Amanda Ulrich

Amanda Ulrich is a Lecturer in the School of Journalism and Media Studies at San Diego State University (SDSU), part of the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts. She concurrently serves as an award-winning freelance journalist specializing in narrative features about environmental issues, borderlands dynamics, and marginalized communities. Her work spans The Guardian, USA Today, PBS, and the Pulitzer Center, with a focus on California’s deserts, coastal regions, and international crisis zones like the Caribbean.

Her research interests include climate crisis reporting, US-Mexico border policy, and the intersection of journalism with underrepresented communities. Notable awards include multiple California Journalism Awards for in-depth reporting on topics ranging from Indigenous rights to pandemic responses. She has reported globally, including post-hurricane coverage in the Bahamas and investigative work in the BVI during Hurricane Irma’s aftermath.

Amanda’s articles frequently explore themes of environmental justice, migration, and cultural identity. Her work highlights urgent issues such as toxic algae outbreaks, desert migrant safety, and Indigenous rodeo traditions. She combines field reporting with personal photography, creating immersive narratives that bridge local and global contexts.

• Awards: California Journalism Awards (2020-2021) for in-depth reporting, land-use analysis, and pandemic coverage.
• Grants & Fellowships: Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting fellow (2016).

Her teaching focuses on feature writing and public affairs reporting, reflecting her dual commitment to academic rigor and real-world journalism practice.