Meet This Is Tucson's new editor, Analeise Mayor

Tucson is a long way from my hometown of Jackson, Wyoming, but I probably don’t have to tell you how quickly this place can feel like home.

I moved to Tucson in 2023 to pursue my master's degree in science and environmental journalism at the University of Arizona, and over the last two years I have fallen in love with the community of Tucson. Between the food, the nature, and the vibrant music and arts scene, I am constantly finding new things to love about this city. That is why I am incredibly excited to join the This is Tucson Team as #ThisIsTucson’s new editor and writer.

My favorite things to do in Tucson include hiking at Tucson Mountain Park or Mount Lemmon, exploring local coffee shops and restaurants, and enjoying the variety of local markets.

Community reporting has always been a major part of my journalistic career, and some of my favorite moments as a reporter have been engaging in local events, and connecting directly with the community.

My journey in journalism started back in 2021, as an undergraduate student at the University of Wyoming. I initially started college pursuing a biology degree, but found an unexpected passion for journalism when I was offered my first science journalism internship, at the Jackson Hole News & Guide, my hometown paper. I worked for the News & Guide during 2021 and 2022, covering everything from environmental stories to arts and life features.

I ended up graduating from the University of Wyoming with two bachelor’s degrees in biology and journalism, and after relocating to Tucson, I was hired as an intern at the Arizona Daily Star in 2024. In two of my favorite stories the Star has published, I wrote about climate refugees fleeing the Maui wildfires for Tucson, and about citizen scientists supporting U of A research into jaguars and other big cats.

 I’ve loved every journalism position I’ve had, but working for the Star and interacting daily with the Tucson community was by far my favorite, and I found myself even more attached to this wonderful city. 

Being #ThisIsTucson’s editor is my greatest honor, and a thrilling personal step for me. As editor, I look forward to capturing the vibrancy and unique culture of Tucson, and the people who make this city shine.

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Some Fun Facts About Me!:

📖 I am a big reader, and read mostly fiction and fantasy series. Some of my all time favorites are “Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo and “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt. 

👢 I love thrifting, and a lot of my clothes and furniture are thrifted. I think it’s important to reduce my impact on the environment by buying second-hand, plus it’s always exciting to find unique items.

🏞️ Growing up in Jackson, Wyoming, close to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks is what started my love of nature, and is what made me want to study biology and science journalism in college. 

🪴 I have a collection of houseplants that I cherish. My favorites are my variegated monstera plant, my neon pothos, and my rattlesnake plant.

🌟 One of my summer jobs back in Wyoming was leading astronomy programs, which I ran for two  years, and I learned how to do astral photography to take pictures of the moon and planets.