AFPC-USA Names Alexa Robles-Gil a 2023 Scholarship Awardee

Alexa Robles-Gil is a master's student in New York University's Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program. Before pursuing science journalism, she worked as a field biologist. She's researched sharks in South Africa's Western Cape and seabirds on a remote island off Mexico’s Pacific coast. During her field research, she encountered different issues, such as abalone poaching and ocean plastics, that sparked her desire to dive deeper into complex stories.

Alexa aims to uncover the issues at the forefront of wildlife conservation with a special focus on Latin America. She's passionate about the intersection between wildlife, climate change and environmental justice. She's a contributing writer for the Chilean magazine, Endémico, where she's written about jellyfish and immortality, AI, climate change and more. At Endémico, she's had the opportunity to collaborate and write with National Geographic Explorers. She's also a fiction writer and is currently working on her second novel.

The following interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

What was the primary reason you chose to pursue your master's studies in the United States as a foreign journalist?

I’ve always wanted to cover wildlife conservation issues in Latin America as a bilingual journalist. A master’s degree in the United States was a big step towards that goal. After writing for South American outlets, I wanted to move towards doing more work in English and amplifying the coverage for Latin America.

You were recently awarded a scholarship from the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the United States (AFPC-USA). How did you feel about this recognition?

I feel deeply honored and grateful for this award. This scholarship means I’ll be able to focus solely on my studies. It also empowers me to continue working on stories I’m passionate about and produce good, complex work that takes up time and resources. As thrilling as it is to study and live in NYC, it also comes with a big economic challenge. This scholarship helps alleviate that.

As a journalist, how do you expect your studies and the support from AFPC-USA to help you advance your career?

My master’s in NYU’s Science, Health, and Environmental Reporting Program (SHERP), as well as the scholarship from AFPC-USA, advance my career in countless ways. These studies and support help me become a better science journalist; one who hopes to do work in Spanish and English. Being in a science journalism program feels like a jumping board to bigger opportunities. My main objective is to absorb and take away all the great things this program has to offer, keep on working as a science journalist, and amplify the coverage of Latin America wildlife conservation issues.

Why do you think the work of AFPC-USA is important and what are your thoughts on its impact on the journalism field at large?

The work of AFPC-USA is important because it truly supports international journalists working in the U.S. The community of international correspondents is backed by the Association through so many resources that help us advance our skills and careers in journalism. It’s important to include international voices in journalism and their work supports that.

What made you decide to become a journalist? How do you hope to make an impact in the journalism field of your country of origin?

My work as a field biologist made me curious about the stories found in the complexity of conservation and wildlife issues. So I decided to transition from a field biologist to a science journalist. I’m passionate about the intricacy of environmental and social issues in Mexico, and Latin America in general, and I hope my work amplifies those stories.

What is the state of press freedom in your country of origin and how do you hope that your work will encourage more people to access independent and credible information?

Mexico’s journalists live in fear for their lives by covering certain topics. Journalists are a pillar of Mexico’s freedom of expression; the mounting violence against them damages an essential need for truth and accountability. I hope my work as a journalist contributes to Mexican society by supporting the conviction that we all deserve truth and respect.

What do you think is the greatest threat to journalism today?

I think the greatest threat to journalism today is using AI responsibly. The coming years will involve a period of adaptation and reinvention to AI. Journalists will have to learn how to use AI responsibly and ethically, and maintain a constant loyalty to the public with accuracy and truth.