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Associate Professor Susan Swanberg Named Academic Freedom Fellow

July 30, 2026
Jesse Tellez
Professional headshot of woman in front of light blue background

University of Arizona School of Journalism Associate Professor Susan Swanberg has been named a 2026-2027 Faculty Affairs Fellow for Academic Freedom in the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs.

In the yearlong role, Swanberg will help organize university events and initiatives that support and advance academic freedom across campus.

“Both academic freedom and free speech are of the utmost importance, especially in today’s contentious climate,” Swanberg said. “I’m honored to have been chosen as a faculty fellow informing the university community regarding the nuances of these topics.”

A former criminal lawyer and bench scientist, Swanberg brings a unique blend of expertise in law, science and journalism to her teaching and research. At the School of Journalism, she teaches science journalism, environmental journalism and media law.

Swanberg’s research explores the history of science and environmental journalism, the public understanding of science, and the intersection of law, science and journalism. More recently, her work has focused on how propaganda, disinformation and misinformation affect science and environmental reporting. She has also contributed science stories for newspapers, magazines and online publications.

In addition to her research and teaching, Swanberg serves on the board of directors of the American Journalism Historians Association. Her work has earned recognition both nationally and internationally. In 2023, she was elected a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London, the world's oldest active society devoted to natural history, and she previously served as a Udall Center Fellow.

"Academic freedom is essential to the mission of the university,” said Andrea Romero, vice provost for faculty affairs. “We are pleased to have a faculty member expert on this topic who can lead more discussion and increase understanding about what academic freedom means to the university today. I am looking forward to Susan's leadership on this topic and excited for the good it can bring to our campus."