Julia Belden

Julia Belden is a PhD student in information & media/environmental science & policy. She holds an MA in journalism from MSU (2026), a BS in integrative studies from Grand Valley State University (2024), and a BA in zoo & wildlife biology from Malone University (2012). An interdisciplinary scholar, Julia worked in the zoological industry for a decade before pivoting to journalism and academia. Her research interests include non-human animal representation in the media, journalism pedagogy, and climate change communication. She is affiliated with MSU’s Knight Center for Environmental Journalism. Julia has served as editor for Great Lakes Echo and her work has appeared in media outlets across Michigan and the Great Lakes region.