In summary
The program gives college journalists an opportunity to show the impact of state policy on their communities.
CalMatters recently welcomed the newest group of student journalists in the College Journalism Network fellowship.
The program was started in 2019 with a dual mission: to increase higher education journalism and to lift up the voices of developing journalists.
College Journalism Network Editor Jennifer Burger said this year’s fellows are eager to explore themes such as artificial intelligence, privacy and surveillance, student housing, degree pathways, transfer programs, college affordability and jobs. Students will also participate in hosting VotingMatters events on campuses around the state this fall as a way to engage student audiences and help them become informed voters.
During a two-day kickoff event in Sacramento, this year’s fellows talked with campus senior officials, student government leaders and other experts in higher education. They also learned about the mission and impact of CalMatters from editors and reporters and connected with each other to share the major issues facing their campuses.
Meet the 2026-27 fellows
Dylan Arreola, UC Berkeley
Dylan Arreola is a junior at UC Berkeley majoring in political science and minoring in public policy. He has reported for the student newspaper, The Daily Californian, and previously served as the editor-in-chief of Fullerton College’s student newspaper, The Hornet. Through his coverage, he strives to trace the impacts of federal and state policy on communities too often overlooked. In his free time, you can catch him pitching a tent somewhere in the mountains.
Sterling Davies, Stanford University
Sterling Davies is from Sacramento and a junior at Stanford University studying political science and communication. He is currently the executive editor of Stanford’s student newspaper, The Stanford Daily, where he has covered university administration, public safety and local news. He has previously worked at the Boston Globe reporting on arts and culture. He is passionate about highlighting unheard voices that shift larger discussions, particularly in public policy.
Noelle Doblado, Cal Poly Humboldt
Noelle Doblado is a senior at Cal Poly Humboldt studying journalism and film. Previously, she served a year as editor-in-chief of the university’s bilingual newspaper, El Leñador. She is a passionate reporter, photographer and filmmaker, creating multimedia projects for student and freelance publications. She is dedicated to fostering diversity in media and sharing perspectives of underrepresented communities.
Mariam Farag, UC Irvine
Mariam Farag is a fourth-year student at UC Irvine majoring in political science and literary journalism. She serves as a managing editor for the student newspaper, New University, and previously interned at EdSource and Orange Coast Magazine. She loves reporting on the way policy shapes the daily lives of students.
Aaron Friesen, Riverside City College
Aaron Friesen is a returning student studying journalism at Riverside City College, where he is a news writer and former news editor for the student newspaper, Viewpoints. His reporting focuses on explaining student and college governance, and holding people in power accountable.
Max Guerra, UC Santa Cruz
Max Guerra is a senior at UC Santa Cruz majoring in science education. Previously, he served as co-editor-in-chief at the university’s independent student news organization, City on a Hill Press, and has interned at The Pajaronian in Watsonville, where his coverage focused on K-12 education. He is interested in investigative journalism.
Jackson Mills, USC
Jackson Mills is a junior studying journalism at USC, and originally is from Little Rock, Arkansas. He was previously a news assignments editor for the Daily Trojan, and now works on Annenberg Media’s investigations team. His investigative work has been featured internationally with Al Jazeera and other media outlets. He focuses on accountability reporting for law enforcement, government and business. Outside of journalism, he enjoys drinking as much coffee as possible and going to the beach.
Natalia Mochernak, UCLA
Natalia Mochernak is a third-year communication and Spanish major at UCLA, minoring in sports leadership and management. She is the investigations editor at the Daily Bruin and formerly served as an assistant news editor. Previously, she worked as an intern at EdSource reporting on higher education. Hailing from San Diego, Mochernak is passionate about reporting on local issues that impact everyday Californians and hopes that her reporting makes an impact in her community. In her free time, she loves playing tennis, reading, swimming in the ocean, and drinking matcha lattes.
Tom Nolan, Cal State Monterey Bay
Tom Nolan is a senior communication and journalism student at Cal State Monterey Bay, where he serves as senior staff writer for the student-led newspaper The Lutrinae. With a passion for political reporting, his eyes are always open for connections between state policy and issues impacting the Monterey Bay community, both on and off campus.
Skylar Stock, Cal State Long Beach
Skylar Stock is a senior journalism student at Cal State Long Beach and works as the multimedia managing editor at the Long Beach Current. Previously, she interned at TMZ and the USA Today Network newsroom, Kitsap Sun. Skylar grew up in Southern California and is passionate about telling diverse stories within her home state.
Anahid Valencia, Fresno State
Anahid Valencia is the digital managing editor of The Collegian. She previously interned at The Fresno Bee and centralizes her reporting on higher education, state policy and communities within California’s Central Valley.
Nikki Yunker, El Camino College
Nikki Yunker has a background in paralegal studies and studio art and is a journalism major at El Camino College and has served as editor-in-chief of The Union and Warrior Life Magazine. She has also written for the hyperlocal publications Easy Reader News and Peninsula Magazine. Her work focuses on in-depth reporting and community news.
