Jackie Snow

From General Assignment to AI Evangelist

We trace Jackie Snow's journey from her early days at the City University of New York's Graduate School of Journalism to becoming one of the most sought-after explainers of AI's societal impacts. Her career began with traditional metro reporting at regional outlets before she developed what she calls "a technologist's curiosity" during her business journalism fellowship.

"The best stories live at the intersection of human need and technical possibility" – Jackie Snow in a 2023 MIT Tech Review interview

Key Career Phases

• 2015-2017: Smart Cities Era – Authored 95+ articles on urban innovation for Smart Cities Dive
• 2018-2020: National Geographic Phase – Explored AI's role in wildlife conservation
• 2021-Present: NOVA PBS Chapter – Leading explainers on medical AI breakthroughs

Definitive Works

How People with Disabilities Are Using AI to Improve Their Lives

This NOVA investigation reveals how computer vision systems and natural language processors are creating new independence paradigms. Snow embedded with developers at Microsoft's AI for Accessibility program, documenting case studies like:

• A nonverbal teen using emotion-recognition software to communicate
• Paraplegic artists employing eye-tracking AI for digital creation

The piece stands out for its rigorous examination of both technological capabilities and persistent accessibility gaps in AI training datasets.

The Algorithm Will See You Now

Snow's 18-month investigation into FDA-approved diagnostic AIs combines:

• Exclusive interviews with radiologists working alongside machine learning systems
• Data analysis of diagnostic accuracy rates across 23 hospitals
• Ethical framework analysis from 14 bioethics committees

Her balanced reporting on AI's 94.7% melanoma detection rate versus its 22% false positive rate in rural clinics exemplifies her signature approach.

The New Low-Cost Airlines Taking Off This Summer

This consumer-focused piece for Fortune demonstrates Snow's versatility, analyzing:

• Dynamic pricing algorithms in the post-pandemic travel sector
• Environmental impact claims of new carriers
• Labor practices at algorithm-driven airlines

The article's mix of technical analysis and human-interest storytelling led to its inclusion in the 2022 Best American Travel Writing anthology.

Pitching Insights

Focus on AI Implementation Challenges

Snow consistently explores the gap between AI's theoretical potential and real-world deployment. Successful pitches should highlight:

• Case studies of failed/successful AI rollouts in healthcare
• Novel approaches to addressing algorithmic bias
• Cross-industry technology transfers (e.g., using aerospace sensors in mobility devices)

Her recent work on transplant organ matching algorithms shows particular interest in life-or-death applications.

Emphasize Multidisciplinary Teams

Stories featuring collaborations between technologists and domain experts (teachers, farmers, nurses) align with Snow's belief that "AI doesn't exist in a vacuum." The ideal pitch might profile:

• Computer vision researchers working with museum conservators
• Machine learning engineers partnering with urban planners

Her 2023 series on AI-assisted wildfire prevention exemplifies this approach.

5 Essential Pitching Guidelines

• Lead with societal impact: "How does this technology change human behavior?"
• Include opposing viewpoints: She prioritizes stories with built-in counterarguments
• Highlight visual storytelling potential: Her NOVA pieces frequently incorporate data viz
• Avoid pure futurism: Focus on deployed systems, not theoretical applications
• Emphasize equity: How does the technology address/amplify existing disparities?

Awards and Recognition

• 2023 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Award Finalist: For her NOVA series on AI in neurology
• 2021 National Academies Communication Award: Recognized for making complex AI concepts accessible
• 2019 Grady-Stack Award for Medical Reporting: Honored for investigative work on diagnostic algorithms