‘More Than an Accolade’: Sharon Muzaki Reflects on a Life-Changing Fellowship The Ugandan journalist was KSJ’s inaugural Africa and Middle East Fellow, an honor she viewed as both a privilege and “a call to action.”

Editor’s Note: This post by Sharon Muzaki, the inaugural recipient of Knight Science Journalism’s Fellowship for Advancing Science Journalism in Africa and the Middle East, was written shortly after she completed her fellowship in December 2024. It is reprinted here with minor updates courtesy of Springer Nature, who also provided the gift that created the fellowship in honor of their former colleague, the pioneering Egyptian science journalist Mohammed Yahia. Journalists from Africa and the Middle East who would like to apply for the one-semester fellowship should visit our fellowship page for more information and complete an application by January 9, 2026.

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When I received the life-changing news of my selection as the inaugural recipient of the Africa and Middle East Fellowship, I was overwhelmed with a mix of pride and gratitude. It symbolized more than an accolade — it was a transformative call to action. I felt privileged and humbled to carry forward Mohammed Yahia’s legacy, knowing that his visionary work continues to inspire so many.

From Uganda to Cambridge: A Transformative Experience

Leaving Uganda for Cambridge, Massachusetts, was both exciting and overwhelming. The journey represented an unparalleled opportunity to broaden my perspective, deepen my expertise, and embrace new challenges. The warm reception I received from the Knight Science Journalism Program staff made me feel instantly at home. Their unwavering support created an environment conducive to learning and personal growth.

Walking through the ivy-clad buildings of Harvard Yard and the futuristic labs of MIT, I was immersed in a world of innovation and intellectual exchange. Engaging with leading scientists, policymakers, and fellow journalists gave me fresh perspectives on Uganda’s climate and health challenges. It felt surreal to be part of a community so dedicated to advancing knowledge and solutions for the world’s pressing issues.

The Fellows: A Community of Inspiration

The other fellows became an essential part of my journey. This extraordinary group of accomplished professionals, each with unique perspectives and expertise, enriched the fellowship experience. Coming from diverse backgrounds in science, health, technology, and environmental journalism, they represent a mosaic of cultures and ideas. Together, we challenged each other, shared insights, and fostered a sense of camaraderie that transformed us into a family. These relationships will remain invaluable as I move forward in my career.

MIT and Harvard: Education at its Best

Studying at Harvard and MIT felt like a dream come true. Growing up in Africa, many of us admire these institutions from afar, and I now understand their global acclaim. The teaching is transformative, blending rigorous academics with real-world applications. The classrooms are spaces for collaboration, where professors and students co-create knowledge. Each class left me not only better informed but also equipped with tools to apply the lessons to real-world challenges.

I was particularly impressed by the diverse and brilliant students, whose contributions enriched every discussion. The opportunity to learn from world-class researchers and guest speakers added layers of depth to my understanding. The courses I took — spanning climate science, data analysis, health, and writing — significantly shaped my approach to science journalism.

Courses That Will Shape My Journey

Each course I took contributed uniquely to my growth:

• Human Environmental Data Science: Agriculture, Conflict, and Health: This course taught me to use data to illuminate critical issues, sharpening my ability to craft impactful stories.
• Thinking Through Writing: Science Themes: Writing 300 words four times a week was a discipline that transformed my storytelling, improving clarity and accessibility.
• Climate Responsibility and Climate Action: Exploring the Paris Agreement deepened my understanding of global climate policies and inspired me to connect these frameworks with local initiatives in Uganda.
• Climate Crossroads: This course provided a nuanced perspective on the intersection of science, policy, and human behavior, perfectly aligning with my work in environmental journalism.
• Carcinogenesis and How and When to Kill Its Stem Cells: This deep dive into environmental cancer risks inspired me to start covering public health topics with a focus on cancer prevention and treatment.

Carrying Forward Mohammed Yahia’s Legacy

I returned to Uganda committed to using my experience to drive meaningful change:

1. Climate communication: Bridging global frameworks like the Paris Agreement with grassroots solutions tailored to local communities.
2. Health journalism: Investigating vaccine trials and systemic health challenges to illuminate the intersection of health and climate.
3. Capacity building: Hosting workshops to empower young journalists with the skills to report effectively on science and technology.
4. Strengthening networks: Collaborating with global journalists to tackle shared challenges through a collective lens.

The classrooms are spaces for collaboration, where professors and students co-create knowledge.

This incredible journey would not have been possible without the support of KSJ, Springer Nature, and the visionary leaders who created this fellowship. Their belief in the transformative power of journalism inspired me to strive for excellence. As I returned home, I carried with me the knowledge, skills, and connections to tell impactful stories and elevate voices that often go unheard.

My life and career have been forever changed — for the better. And I’m grateful to have been empowered to carry forward Mohammed Yahia’s legacy. My game has changed, and I am ready to make a difference!

Sharon Muzaki is an environmental and science journalist based in Kampala, Uganda.