ProPublica Appoints Kenneth Morales as David Burnham-TRAC Data Fellow

ProPublica Names Kenneth Morales as Inaugural Data Fellow

Published: October 15, 2025

Washington D.C. – ProPublica has announced the selection of Kenneth Morales as it’s first-ever David Burnham-TRAC Data Fellow. The two-year appointment will see Morales contribute to the organization’s Data and News Applications team, focusing on shedding light on governmental processes and the consequences of federal regulations.

Honoring a Legacy of Investigative Reporting

The fellowship is established in recognition of David Burnham, a respected investigative journalist whose five-decade career was dedicated to uncovering corruption at all levels of government. Funding for the fellowship was generously provided by David Sobel and Beth Critchley, who sought to perpetuate Burnham’s commitment to accountability journalism.

“David Burnham epitomized investigative journalism,relentlessly pursuing truth and transparency,” stated Sobel. “His pioneering use of data analysis in reporting on law enforcement and intelligence was groundbreaking, and those techniques remain essential today. ProPublica is the perfect place to champion his ongoing legacy.”

Morales’ Extensive Background

Prior to joining ProPublica, Morales served as a Senior Data Scientist with the New York State Attorney General’s Office. There, he contributed to numerous high-profile investigations, spanning industries like firearms, pharmaceuticals, and public education, addressing issues of lead contamination and civil rights violations. He also played a pivotal role in analyzing deceptive public comments submitted during the Federal Communications Commission’s Net Neutrality debate. Morales’ earlier research at Johns Hopkins University focused on the emergence of the fentanyl crisis and related opioid use patterns.

Ken Schwencke, senior Editor for Data and News Applications at ProPublica, emphasized the critical need for in-depth data analysis in modern journalism.”Kenneth brings both a profound dedication to public service and considerable skill in analytical techniques required for legal contexts,” he said. “Access to federal data is becoming increasingly restricted as the government’s influence expands, making the addition of skilled individuals to our team more essential than ever.”

Morales expressed his admiration for ProPublica’s unwavering commitment to autonomous reporting and accountability. “I have long admired propublica’s dedication to truthful reporting and its pursuit of holding power accountable,” Morales noted.”I am eager to apply my skills in data science to matters of social justice during this pivotal moment in American history.”

Key Facts About The Fellowship

Aspect	Details
Fellowship Name	David Burnham-TRAC Data Fellowship
Duration	Two Years
Host Organization	ProPublica
Funding Source	David Sobel and Beth Critchley

Did You Know? Investigative journalism plays a crucial role in a healthy democracy by uncovering wrongdoing and informing the public. According to the Center for Public Integrity,funding for investigative reporting has declined substantially in recent years,making fellowships like this even more vital.

Pro Tip: Staying informed about governmental actions and policies requires seeking out reliable, data-driven journalism sources.

What role should data science play in modern investigative journalism? Do you think increased transparency in government data would improve public trust?

The importance of Data in Investigative Journalism

The rise of data science has fundamentally changed the landscape of investigative reporting. Advanced analytical techniques allow journalists to identify patterns, uncover hidden connections, and provide compelling evidence to support their investigations. The ability to work with large datasets is becoming an essential skill for any journalist aiming to hold power accountable. As data becomes increasingly central to policymaking and governance, the ability to critically examine and interpret that data will be crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability.

Frequently Asked Questions About data Journalism

• What is data journalism? Data journalism involves using data to tell stories, revealing trends and insights that might otherwise remain hidden.
• Why is data journalism critically important? It provides evidence-based reporting, enhancing the credibility and impact of investigative work.
• What skills are needed for data journalism? Key skills include data analysis, statistical reasoning, data visualization, and strong storytelling abilities.
• How does ProPublica utilize data journalism? ProPublica consistently employs data-driven investigations to expose wrongdoing and advocate for positive change.
• What is the role of fellowships in data journalism? Fellowships provide opportunities for talented individuals to develop their skills and contribute to impactful investigative reporting.

share your thoughts on the evolving role of data in holding institutions accountable. Comment below!

What specific policy areas is Kenneth Morales likely to focus on, given his background in public policy adn data analysis?

Expanding Investigative Journalism Through Data Expertise

ProPublica, the independent, non-profit investigative journalism organization, has announced the appointment of Kenneth Morales as its newest David Burnham-TRAC Data Fellow. This fellowship,a cornerstone of ProPublica’s commitment to data-driven reporting,signifies a continued investment in utilizing public records and analytical techniques to uncover critical stories. The appointment was made public on October 15,2025.

Who is Kenneth Morales?

Kenneth Morales brings a wealth of experience in data science, public policy, and investigative techniques to the role. His background includes:

* Data Analysis: Proven ability to extract, clean, and analyze large datasets from diverse sources.

* Public Records Access: Expertise in utilizing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and other methods to obtain government information.

* Programming Skills: Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in data journalism, such as Python and R.

* Policy Understanding: A strong grasp of public policy issues, enabling him to contextualize data findings effectively.

Morales’ previous work demonstrates a dedication to openness and accountability, aligning perfectly with ProPublica’s mission.Specific details regarding his prior projects are currently limited, but ProPublica has highlighted his potential to contribute significantly to ongoing investigations.

The David Burnham-TRAC Data Fellowship: A Deep Dive

The David Burnham-TRAC Data Fellowship is named in honor of David Burnham,a pioneering investigative reporter,and the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) at Syracuse University.TRAC is renowned for its work in making government data more accessible to the public.

Here’s what the fellowship entails:

1. Data-Driven Investigations: Fellows work alongside ProPublica’s investigative reporters, providing data analysis support for ongoing projects.
2. Independent Projects: Fellows are also encouraged to pursue their own data-driven investigations, potentially leading to published stories.
3. Data Skills Enhancement: The fellowship provides opportunities for professional growth and skill-building in data journalism.
4. collaboration & Mentorship: Fellows collaborate with experienced journalists and data scientists within ProPublica.

The fellowship is highly competitive, attracting applicants from diverse backgrounds with strong analytical and journalistic skills. It’s a key component of ProPublica’s strategy to leverage the power of data in uncovering hidden truths.

Impact on ProPublica’s Investigative Work

Kenneth Morales’ appointment is expected to bolster ProPublica’s capacity to tackle complex investigative projects. Specifically, his skills will be valuable in areas such as:

* Government Accountability: Analyzing government spending, contracts, and regulations to identify waste, fraud, and abuse.

* Criminal Justice Reform: Examining data related to policing, sentencing, and incarceration to uncover systemic biases and inequities.

* Environmental Reporting: Investigating environmental violations and the impact of pollution on public health.

* Political Transparency: Analyzing campaign finance data and lobbying activities to shed light on the influence of money in politics.

The Growing Importance of Data Journalism

The rise of data journalism reflects a broader trend towards evidence-based reporting. in an era of misinformation and “fake news,” the ability to analyze data and present factual findings is more crucial than ever.

Key benefits of data journalism include:

* Increased Accuracy: Data analysis helps to verify claims and identify inaccuracies.

* Deeper Insights: Data can reveal patterns and trends that would otherwise go unnoticed.

* Enhanced Transparency: Making data publicly available promotes accountability and informed decision-making.

* Compelling Storytelling: Data visualizations and interactive graphics can make complex information more accessible and engaging.

Resources for Aspiring Data Journalists

For individuals interested in pursuing a career in data journalism, several resources are available:

* Investigative Reporters & Editors (IRE): Offers training workshops and resources for investigative journalists. (https://www.ire.org/)

* Data Journalism Handbook: A comprehensive guide to data journalism techniques. (https://datajournalismhandbook.org/)

* TRAC at Syracuse University: Provides access to government data and research on transparency. (https://trac.syr.edu/)

* Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer courses in data science, data visualization, and data journalism.