ProPublica Names Kenneth Morales Inaugural Data Fellow, Honoring Investigative Legacy
ProPublica has appointed Kenneth Morales as its first David Burnham-TRAC data fellow, a position designed to bolster the organization’s capacity for in-depth reporting on government operations and federal policy impacts.
The two-year fellowship represents a significant investment in data-driven journalism at a time when access to crucial government information is becoming increasingly limited. It is named in honor of David Burnham, a veteran investigative reporter renowned for his 50-year career exposing corruption at all levels of government.
A Legacy of Investigative Reporting
Burnham’s commitment to “speaking truth to power,” as described by a key funder of the fellowship, underscores the importance of rigorous data analysis in modern journalism. The fellowship was made possible through financial support from David Sobel and Beth Critchley, who recognized the enduring relevance of Burnham’s techniques. “David Burnham was a pioneering investigative journalist… he did cutting edge reporting on law enforcement and intelligence agencies,” Sobel stated. “Those skills and techniques are critical today, and ProPublica is the obvious home for work that will continue his legacy.”
Morales’ Extensive Background
Morales brings a wealth of experience to the role, most recently serving as a senior data scientist at the New York State Attorney General’s office. His work there encompassed a broad spectrum of investigations, including those focused on the firearms industry, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and lead exposure in schools. He also played a pivotal role in civil rights investigations of law enforcement and antitrust litigation. Notably, Morales was the lead data analyst for a report examining fraudulent public comments submitted during the Federal Communications Commission’s debate over net neutrality rules. Prior to his work with the Attorney General, Morales conducted research at Johns Hopkins University, focusing on the evolving opioid crisis and the rise of fentanyl.
Addressing the Scarcity of Federal Data
According to Ken Schwencke, senior editor for data and news applications, Morales’ skillset is particularly valuable given the increasing difficulty of accessing federal data. “Kenneth brings a passion for public interest work and extensive experience doing rigorous analysis that needs to stand up in the court of law,” Schwencke said. “Federal data is becoming more scarce as the importance of the government’s actions only grow, and we’re grateful to be able to bring on more people to cover it.”
Morales himself expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “For years I have been an admirer of ProPublica’s investigative reportage… I am passionate about the intersections of data science and social justice, and I am thrilled to have been selected to use those skills during this critical American moment.” His appointment signals ProPublica’s continued commitment to holding power accountable through meticulous investigation and insightful reporting.
