Hello, y'all! I'm Alex Ip 葉清霖, a multimedia environmental journalist from Hong Kong.
I'm the Founder, Publisher, and Editor of The Xylom, a non-profit, Gen-Z-led newsroom growing science with words. I am also proud to be part of the MIT Graduate Program in Science Writing, Class of 2024.
I am skilled in photojournalism (DSLR and film), data journalism (Datawrapper), fact-checking (I am trained twice by the Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT), Chinese-English translation (I translated a book!) and editing (my writers have won awards from the National Academies, and have gone on to write for the New York Times, Scientific American, and Nature, among others.)
I have spoken at the Online News Association annual conference, ComSciCon (x3), Science Journalism Forum, and a workshop co-organized by the Hong Kong Journalists Association, supported by the Earth Journalism Network. In 2024, I was named a Rising Star by the Atlanta Press Club Awards and a Silver Winner in News & Journalism, Sustainability, Environment, & Climate in The 3rd Annual Anthem Awards.
My words have appeared (or will appear) in The Christian Science Monitor, Mississippi Free Press, and Verite News.
As Seen In 👀
What They Say 👇🏽
Alex shows consistency and superior knowledge of his craft. He has mastered the art of entrepreneurial journalism and can also work in teams.
Los Angeles Press Club, judging for the 2024 Atlanta Press Club AwardsA lot of you have asked me how I’ve been able to learn so much about "Cop City", it’s because of people like Alex Ip. Give them a follow for really insightful coverage.
Rep. Ruwa Romman, the first Muslim woman to be elected to the Georgia State House of RepresentativesIn the few months I've become aware of the issue, your exceptionally detailed and factual reporting is the first time things have been put in perspective for me.
Albert C., in a reader email addressed to AlexI was talking with my cofounder of 3484 earlier this week...we both fully agreed your journalism even as a student has been some of the best and most impactful in Atlanta, especially about "Cop City".
Sam Baskin, Founder and former Creative Director of 3484 Magazine, Georgia Tech’s official student news magazineI express my heartfelt gratitude to you for your watchdog journalism and research on behalf of the public... Local journalism — and writers such as yourself — are a true national treasure. You keep truth and accountability alive.
Johanna R., in a reader email addressed to AlexSelected work
Writing ✍🏽
Fact-checking the City of Atlanta's Claims on "Cop City (The Xylom, February 16th, 2023)
New study finds more wildfire smoke linked to increased rural suicide rates (Verite News; October 5th, 2023)
On a sweeping Supreme Court day, a trio of rulings that will affect millions of lives (The Christian Science Monitor; June 28th, 2024)
Photography 📸
Texas Coastal Bend
PUFFIN
Western North Carolina
Data Visuals 📈
Full Body of Work
Twice-monthly:
The Xylom's Newsletter (give us a subscribe!)
2024:
What ‘Minari’ taught me about Asian American science journalism (The Objective; September 20th, 2024)
Air conditioning gets expensive. Here’s how to save money – and help the planet. (The Christian Science Monitor; September 9th, 2024)
Trump documents case: What if there’s no one to investigate presidents? (The Christian Science Monitor; July 21st, 2024)
On a sweeping Supreme Court day, a trio of rulings that will affect millions of lives (The Christian Science Monitor; June 28th, 2024)
The Christian Science Monitor Weekly Global Newsstand
Little Farm, Big City (MIT Graduate Program in Science Writing; June 13th, 2024)
Audio Journalist Justin O’Neill Reflects on His Year at MIT (MIT Knight Science Journalism Program; May 15th, 2024)
2023:
Some Cool Charts We Made in 2023 (The Xylom; December 23rd, 2023)
Investigative Reporter Chikezie Omeje, on the Future of What It Means to Be Human (MIT Knight Science Journalism Program; December 19th, 2023)
Investigative science reporting can be daunting. Here are some tips from journalists who have thrived and survived the beat. (National Association of Science Writers; November 7th, 2023)
New study finds more wildfire smoke linked to increased rural suicide rates (Verite News; October 5th, 2023)
As "Cop City" Proceeds, Atlanta City Council Proposes Acquisition of Parkland in South River Forest (The Xylom; May 14th, 2023)
Fact-checking the City of Atlanta's Claims on "Cop City (The Xylom, February 16th, 2023)
2022:
Sweet Sixteen: Some Cool Charts We Made in 2022 (The Xylom; December 30th, 2022)
For environmental and civic journalists, an open data tool could help unravel federal water quality data (National Association of Science Writers; December 5th, 2022)
KSJ Editing Handbook Translation (Traditional and Simplified Chinese)
2021
Rockets, Labradors, and Lowcountry Shrimp (Georgia Tech Global Change Program; October 27th, 2021)
When editors and scientists meet: communicating science without dumbing it down (National Association of Science Writers; October 18th, 2021)
Georgia Tech Researchers Partner with Savannahians to Implement Data-Driven Solutions (Georgia Tech Global Change Program; October 6th, 2021)
