2022 - 2023

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The UnSung Warriors was a year-long graduate research project in which I explored the national fentanyl epidemic.  Through citizen journalism, I told the alternative narratives of 4 underapperciated individuals with firsthand knowledge of battling the devastating drug.  Through the lens of these locals: a doctor, parents and a recovering addict turned advocate, I delved in-depth to untangle the web of addiction, a broken public health system, the limits of law enforcement and fentanyl as a drug itself. 

 

What began as a creative project idea to fulfill my graduate defense requirement progressed into a 25-page research proposal.  As the researcher, writer, editor, reporter, videographer and producer, I created a 9-part video feature series fit for TV or digital news audiences.    

 

In a place commonly known as the City by the Bay, San Francisco has since become the epicenter of the fentanyl crisis, which showed no signs of slowing down or ending.  Through a humanistic lens, my objective was to lessen if not end the finger-pointing and increase the awareness and understanding of this national epidemic.  Through my collaboration with other citizen journalists, I also managed to acquire vivid scenes that I alone would not have been able to capture.  

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