Student Advisory Council
The Journalism Chair’s Student Advisory Council is made up of students who represent journalism majors and will weigh in on department issues and questions about curriculum, diversity, student experience and more. They also initiate projects on a semester, yearly or ongoing basis. Reach out to members and follow the group at:
Email: ufjoucouncil@gmail.com
Twitter: @ufjoucouncil
Instagram: @ufjoucouncil
LinkedIn: JOU Student Advisory Council
Lexi Ashby
Year of graduation: 2023
Journalism interests/experience: Lexi is interested in podcasts, travel photojournalism and health and wellness. Lexi also is a contributing writer for The Alligator and works in social media content creation and marketing.
Outside interests: Lexi’s outside interests include traveling, road trips, guitar, lacrosse and other sports.
Best tip for succeeding as a journalism major: “As you discover and nourish your passions, your journalism endeavors will flourish too. Water what you sow and focus on the blooming seeds rather than the weeds.”
Isabella Douglas
Year of Graduation: 2024
Journalism interest/experience: Isabella Douglas is the digital managing editor for The Independent Florida Alligator, narrative nonfiction staff writer and web development team member for Atrium Magazine, director of outreach for Florida Magazine Student Association and contributing writer for New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News. In the past, she worked as a general assignment reporter for WUFT News as well as the metro editor, crime and criminal justice beat reporter and university desk news assistant for The Independent Florida Alligator.
Outside interests: Isabella is a journalism major and a criminology minor. When she isn’t reporting, she can be found reorganizing her bookshelf and adding books to her ever-growing TBR.
Best tip for succeeding as a journalism major: “Always say yes. Doesn’t matter if you’re nervous about pursuing a story, snapping a photo or creating a graphic — say yes. You won’t know what you’re passionate about until you try!”
Macie Goldfarb
Year of graduation: 2023
Journalism interests/experience: Macie is a former WJXT (News4JAX) news and politics intern. At the INC, she is a reporter, anchor, director and most recently an associate producer. She also serves as an editor for Rowdy Magazine, a fashion and politics publication run by UF students. Macie enjoys producing character-driven stories based in arts and culture.
Outside interests: As a Spanish minor, Macie loves any chance to practice the language, especially if it includes traveling. She also likes to rollerblade, thrift shop and go for walks.
Best tip for succeeding as a journalism major: “Nothing is the end of the world, even though it may sometimes feel like it. Embrace your mistakes and just try your best. We’re here to learn, after all.”
Alan Halaly
Journalism interests/experience: Alan serves as the Engagement Managing Editor for The Independent Florida Alligator, Gainesville’s student-run newspaper and one of the largest student papers in the country. In the past, he’s published multimedia stories with WUFT News, such as a Pulitzer Center-funded story for WATERSHED, a collection of stories culminating the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act. Alan has held internships with The Daily Beast and Miami New Times and aspires to pursue longform enterprise stories in the future.
Outside interests: Alan is a Spanish minor and enjoys theatre, reading and traveling.
Best tip for succeeding as a journalism major: “The best way of learning in journalism is doing — write and report as much as you can! Whether it’s on campus at the INC or off-campus at The Alligator, make mistakes and grow from them.”
Veronica Nocera
Year of Graduation: 2022
Journalism interests/experience: Veronica is interested in arts and culture reporting — music, art, theater, food and anything in between. She is The Avenue editor at The Alligator and spent two semesters covering the Gainesville arts scene for the desk. She has also written for Rowdy Magazine and WUFT News.
Outside interests: As a history minor, Veronica’s passionate about anything that bridges the gap between the past and the present. She loves to read, collage and listen to music.
Best tip for succeeding as a journalism major: Look for stories that you’re passionate about. It can be easy to get caught up in the stress of reporting, but writing a story you’re interested in makes it impossible to forget why you fell in love with writing.
Melanie Pena
Year of graduation: 2025
Journalism interests/experience: Melanie Peña is the Fall 2022 Health Reporter at The Alligator and a former intern at The News-Press. Melanie’s favorite articles to write are features, especially profiles. She also enjoys investigative reporting and graphic design.
Outside interests: Melanie is also a business major and hopes to study law after graduating. She loves gardening, reading and espresso.
Best tip for succeeding as a journalism major: “A simple email can lead to so much more if you just click send. If there’s an organization you want to join or an internship you want more information about, reach out to the person in charge and ask them about it. Asking questions will never hurt.”
Camila Pereira
Year of graduation: 2023
Journalism interests/experiences: Camila is a former intern at WPBF25 News, working at the West Palm Beach television station as an Emma Bowen fellow. Camila was also a general assignment and administration reporter on the university news desk for two semesters at The Independent Florida Alligator and has published stories for WUFT. Camila’s interests range from covering breaking news to human-interest stories
Outside interests: Camila is pursuing a Latin American studies minor and a Spanish for the professions certificate with interests in music, fitness, and cooking as well as an obsession for bubble tea.
Best tip for succeeding as a journalism major: “Go into it with an open mind and an eagerness to learn! You might feel pressured to stick to one specialization, but exploring the different areas within the profession can help you gain a variety of skills and find what you’re passionate about pursuing.”
Bennett Solomon
Year of Graduation: 2024
Bio: Bennett is interested in the sports writing profession and hopes to be a beat reporter for a major league sports team. He currently serves as a sports coordinator for ESPN Gainesville and has been a contributor to the website/radio station since starting at UF. This summer, he interned for a summer collegiate baseball team, the Bethesda Big Train, where he wrote stories and ran social media for the team. He also was also able to broadcast for the team.
Best tip for succeeding as a journalism major: Get involved as much as you can. The effort you put in will help you in the long run. Also, get comfortable with all aspects of the business. The more you’re able to do, the more likely you’ll be hired in the business.