PBS NewsHour Welcomes Nsikan Akpan As Producer/Reporter For Science Coverage

Washington, DC (April 30, 2015) — The PBS NewsHour has welcomed Nsikan Akpan as a reporter/producer for NewsHour’s robust science coverage. Akpan is an accomplished science journalist whose work regularly appears in Scientific American, Science magazine, and Science News. After earning a PhD in Pathobiology and Molecular Medicine from Columbia University, Akpan sought out special training in science communication through the University of California.

“As a scientist and science writer, Nsikan knows how to translate complex research into stories that are clear, interesting and fun to read and that drive home the vital role that science plays in so much of our lives,” said NewsHour Creative Director Travis Daub. “We’re delighted to have him on our team and look forward to continuing our tradition of thoughtful, in-depth science coverage.”

Akpan added, “I am thrilled to join the PBS NewsHour as I’ve admired and respected the program ever since I was a teenager, watching it with my mom and dad. I look forward to working with the science team including Correspondent Miles O’Brien and Senior Online Editor Jenny Marder, and joining the rest of the staff, including Gwen Ifill and Judy Woodruff.”

About PBS NewsHour          

PBS NewsHour is seen by over four million weekly viewers and is also available online, via public radio in select markets, and via podcast. PBS NewsHour is a production of NewsHour Productions LLC, a wholly-owned non-profit subsidiary of WETA Washington, D.C., in association with WNET in New York. Major funding for PBS NewsHour is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, PBS and public television viewers. Major corporate funding is provided by BAE Systems, BNSF and Lincoln Financial Group with additional support from Carnegie Corporation of New York, the J. Paul Getty Trust, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Lemelson Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, National Science Foundation, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Friends of the NewsHour and others. More information on PBS NewsHour is available at www.pbs.org/newshour. On social media, visit NewsHour on Facebook or follow @NewsHour on Twitter.