The investigative journalism course has made its long-awaited return to Valenti this semester.
The class, led by Assistant Professor of Journalism Gheni Platenburg, offers students immersive, real-world learning experiences and skill development beyond traditional reporting.
A recent highlight was a visit to the Harris County Courthouse, where students had the chance to sit in on live court cases and meet Harris County District Clerk Marilyn Burgess.
The opportunity to observe court proceedings gave students insights beyond what they had learned in the classroom.
“It’s one thing to learn about the court system in a classroom,” Platenburg said. “But seeing it in action gives students a much deeper understanding of the legal process and how journalists interact with it.”
For many students, this was a memorable and first-of-its-kind experience.
“This is the first field trip I’ve taken in college, and I’m a senior,” journalism senior Malachi Key said. “Getting to see actual court cases and speak with people working in the legal system gave me a new perspective on how investigative journalism operates.”
Platenburg went to great lengths to ensure the field trip would be meaningful.
“I did a lot of prep work so the students could get the most out of the experience,” she said. “Courses like this take a lot of behind-the-scenes effort—reaching out to contacts, coordinating schedules and making sure the visit aligns with our learning goals.”
The course curriculum focuses on developing investigative skills such as fact-finding, public records research, interviewing and ethical decision-making.
Through both classroom instruction and practical experiences, students are encouraged to adopt the mindset of working journalists.
“My goal is to help students cultivate curiosity and critical thinking,” Platenburg said. “Even if they don’t become journalists, these skills are valuable in any field.”
Along with field trips, students engage with guest speakers and take on in-depth reporting projects throughout the semester.
“The goal is to make students feel like they’re already working as journalists,” Platenburg explained. “The best way to learn investigative reporting is by doing it.”
The course also includes a lineup of notable guest speakers, exposing students to the insights and expertise of investigative journalists.
Among the speakers was Lise Olsen, a Houston-based investigative editor at The Texas Observer. Olsen has built a career uncovering corruption, environmental disasters and injustices across Texas.
“Having someone like Lise Olsen speak to our students is invaluable,” said Platenburg. “It gives them a chance to learn from someone who has done the kind of reporting that can change lives and challenge powerful institutions.”
A journalist with experience in newsrooms and academia
Gheni Platenburg brings a wealth of experience to the class. She joined UH after teaching at Auburn University and has a professional background in both academia and journalism.
Platenburg earned a doctorate in media and public affairs from Louisiana State University and worked as a multimedia journalist at newspapers and TV stations across the South.
Currently, she is a freelancer for The Washington Post and other outlets through the Solutions Journalism network. Her bylines have appeared in The Washington Post, The Lily and Yes! Magazine.
In addition to her teaching and reporting work, Platenburg's research focuses on the intersection of Black identity and media. She explores topics such as the historical and contemporary Black Press, pop culture and the racial impact on journalistic decision-making and newsroom experiences.
Platenburg holds memberships in the National Association of Black Journalists, the American Journalism Historians Association, the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting and the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.
Real-world impact beyond the classroom
Students say the class has reshaped their understanding of journalism, preparing them for real-world reporting.
With assignments that mirror the responsibilities of professional investigative reporters, students learn to navigate public records requests, interview sources and structure in-depth stories.
“I love teaching specialized, upper-level courses like this because the students who take them are genuinely passionate about journalism,” Platenburg said. “It’s exciting to see them connect what they learn in the classroom with the real world.”
By the end of the semester, students will have compiled their own investigative stories, applying everything they’ve learned throughout the course.
From the courthouse visit to guest speakers, the experience has already equipped them with a clearer understanding of how journalists hold public institutions accountable.
With its emphasis on hands-on learning, the investigative journalism course is more than just an academic experience—it’s a launchpad for students eager to make a difference in their communities.