My name is Emily Tartt, and I am a graduate student in Data and Communications at the University of South Carolina, set to graduate in May 2026. Born and raised in Summerville, South Carolina, I am a passionate storyteller with a strong interest in special projects, documentary production, and data-driven journalism.

       

      Through my academic and professional experiences, I’ve developed a growing focus on integrating data and analytics into storytelling to add depth, context, and impact to news coverage. My background in broadcast journalism, combined with my graduate studies, allows me to approach stories not only from a narrative perspective, but also through data analysis that helps uncover trends, explain complex issues, and strengthen reporting.

     At the University of South Carolina, I’ve gained hands-on newsroom experience through coursework and practicum work, producing newscasts, reporting on compelling stories, anchoring, and leveraging social media to engage audiences. I’ve produced podcasts and a five-minute newscast in a power producing course, sharpening my editorial judgment, writing, and production skills in fast-paced environments. These experiences have prepared me to work effectively under deadline while maintaining accuracy and clarity.

 

      Beyond the newsroom, I have contributed to impactful research through the CHIRP Lab, where I helped conduct surveys among African American men in South Carolina examining experiences with hair discrimination in workplaces and schools. This research supported advocacy efforts for the CROWN Act, reinforcing my commitment to using data and research to elevate underrepresented voices and drive meaningful social change.

 

     When I’m not reporting, producing, or analyzing data, I enjoy reading fantasy fiction and playing soccer. With a deep passion for storytelling informed by data, I aspire to produce documentaries and special projects that inform, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations