Katherine Zimmerman

I'm an Aspiring Journalist.

About

Graduate Student & Aspiring Journalist

I'm an aspiring journalist who is passionate about investigative reporting on civil rights, mental health, and criminal justice reform. I chose to pursue a professional M.A. at UW-Madison's School of Journalism and Mass Communication to uncover stories that inspire action and meaningful change.

  • Phone: (262)-422-5739
  • City: Madison, WI
  • Fun Fact: I've been to all 50 states -- my favorite was Hawaii, of course!

Skills

I have developed a large variety of skills that can be useful for any project! My abilities range from things I've learned through my personal interest in self-taught web/IOS development and my educational background in psychology and journalism.

HTML 95%
CSS 90%
JavaScript 75%
Graphic Design 100%
Academic Writing 100%
Non-academic Writing 100%
Photoshop 55%
Video Editing 85%
Adobe Audition 85%
Photography 85%

Resume

Download CV & Full Resume
(Last updated: May 2025)

Summary

Katherine Zimmerman

Creative and passion-driven aspiring journalist interested in gaining multimedia journalism experience. Has prior experience in designing and developing websites and IOS applications, and 3+ years of academic research experience.

  • Madison, WI
  • (262)-422-5739
  • katherine.zimmerman@wisc.edu

Education

Master of Arts: Professional Journalism

2024 - Current

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI

Specializing in investigative journalism focused on mental health, civil rights, and criminal justice reform, aiming to amplify marginalized voices and foster empathy through impactful storytelling.

Bachelor of Arts: Psychology & Sociology

2020 - 2024

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI

Researched mental health interventions, including mindfulness programs for anxiety and depression, and contributed to studies on schizophrenia and dementia. Led NAMI-UW as President, coordinated outreach efforts, and developed resources to promote mental well-being on campus and beyond.

Professional Experience

Freelance Journalist

2024 - Current

Self-employed, Madison, WI

  • Pursuing journalism projects that include multimedia elements through graduate degree coursework.
  • Developing multimedia journalism skills, which include video, audio, and written media.

Student Ambassador

2022 - 2024

The Center for Healthy Minds, Madison, WI

  • Lead in the design and development of graphics, branding, and production communication materials.
  • Developed numerous marketing programs (logos, brochures, infographics, presentations, and advertisements).
  • Promoted institutional values, programs, and activities while fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
  • Contributed to minor and large projects, including the Student Flourishing Teacher Workshop and ASHF course guidebook.

Portfolio

    • All
    • Written Media
    • Audio Media
    • Visual Media
    • Projects

    Common Ground with… Zach Locke

    Published in the Madison Commons

    Love, Logan

    An heartfelt documentary honoring Logan's life, his family's grief, and their fight against Wisconsin's fentanyl crisis.

    Silenced at the Polls: Wisconsinites Under Guardianship

    As the 2024 election approaches, advocates in Wisconsin are raising concerns about residents under guardianship losing their voting rights.

    the loveless world

    A group project podcast for J457 — exploring the different types of love in our day-to-day lives.

    NAMI Dane County Bolsters Peer Support as Mental Health Funding Dwindles

    Published in the Madison Commons "CommUnity" series

    Lessons from a Living Earth

    A documentary exploring the importance of environmental education in elementary schools, featuring student perspectives and educator insights amid the heightened climate debate.

    Investigative Story (WIP)

    A story about mental health related crisis in Madison, WI.

    How Supreme Court Affirmative Action Ruling is Transforming UW-Madison Law School

    The UW-Madison Law School and its students are adapting to new ABA diversity rules, revising admissions strategies and engaging in student outreach to maintain inclusion despite challenges from recent legal and political changes.

    Developing Meditation Practice in Individuals with Elevated Psychological Distress via a Meditation App Intervention: An Implementation Science-Informed Qualitative Investigation of Barriers and Facilitators

    Depression and anxiety have risen in U.S. adults. Meditation apps could help, but users face barriers to consistent use. Research highlights psychosocial, practical, and app-related factors, yet few studies use implementation science frameworks like the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

    Q&A with CNN Reporter

    Multimedia Q&A with CNN Political Reporter, Aaron Pellish

    Encourage Kindness

    A blog that shares the benefits of kindness, spreads awareness, and encourages people to start thinking about how they're contributing to society.

    How Could Final-Five Voting Impact Third-Party Candidates in Wisconsin’s 2024 Election?

    Advocates for final-five voting push for electoral reform in Wisconsin as the 2024 election approaches.

    MindSupport

    A friendly chatbot, making mental health resources accessible, providing support, and offering mental health education.

    Internetology

    A Youtube podcast about the Internet, psychology, and learning.

    NAMI Dane County Logo Redesign

    A semester-long project for J411 where I created a new logo for local non-profit organization, NAMI Dane County.

    Other Projects

    Explore a collection of my miscellaneous projects.

    Contact

    Feel free to contact me either via phone to leave a voicemail or via email — I'm happy to speak to you!

    Location

    Madison, Wisconsin

    Phone

    (262)-422-5739

    Email

    katherine.zimmerman@wisc.edu