Erin Castaneda / LJWorld.com

Staff

Erin Castaneda

Erin Castaneda grew up making several moves in a military family before landing in Topeka in 1998. She moved to Lawrence later to attend Kansas University where she earned degrees in English and journalism in May 2007.

During her college career she had the opportunity to work with the Lawrence Journal-World.

In the summer of 2006 she was in an environmental reporting course that produced the "What We Drink" series published in the Lawrence Journal-World.

The following spring she worked as a city desk new intern for the paper through a community journalism course.

After graduation Erin began working full-time as the general assignment and night law enforcement reporter.

She enjoys the variety and spontaneity of the beat and interacting with people in the community.

Without a pen, pad, camera or recorder in hand, Erin can be spotted running around outdoors with her black Labrador, taking photos, biking or spending time with friends.

Erin also enjoys the bragging rights that come with being a KU alumna after the Jayhawks won the 2008 National Championship.

Recent stories

Anime-niacs bond over films at Lawrence High School: By Erin Castaneda; November 17, 2008; When it comes to Japanese anime, people seem to either “get it” or forget it.
Waldorf school increases numbers: By Erin Castaneda; November 9, 2008; The roots to Prairie Moon Waldorf School sprouted in 2001 and continue to grow today. Like most of the 142 Waldorf Schools in the United States, Prairie Moon began as a small cooperative effort among parents passionate about the unique curriculum.
Area deer surveyed: By Erin Castaneda; November 7, 2008; The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and a Kansas University environmental studies field class teamed up last week to survey the number of white-tailed deer in the Lawrence area. Varying deer populations across the state have an impact on the number of vehicle-deer collisions, especially this month because it’s deer mating season.
Lawrence police arrest suspect on charges of auto burglary, burglary and aggravated assault: By Erin Castaneda; November 5, 2008; Lawrence police arrested a 24-year-old Lawrence man on charges of an auto burglary, burglary and aggravated assault, which occurred shortly before 11 a.m. Wednesday. They are also investigating three other residential and auto burglaries that occurred on West Sixth Street Wednesday morning.
At Teepee Junction, landmark and memories refreshed: By Erin Castaneda; November 5, 2008; Teepee Junction - known as a place for Kansas University students to party - is being refurbished.
Kids vote Obama in a landslide: By Erin Castaneda; November 5, 2008; Douglas County youth showed up in large numbers and had their say for who they’d like to be president. The majority of the 4,708 children and teens who participated in Kids Voting Douglas County voted for Barack Obama.
KU ‘Pillars Week’ to start Monday: By Erin Castaneda; November 2, 2008; Kansas University Greek Life has announced Monday as the kickoff to “Pillars Week” for the KU campus and Lawrence community. The four-day event will sponsor activities that reflect the Greek community’s four founding pillars: service, leadership, scholarship and brotherhood/sisterhood.
Accident victim out of intensive care at KU Hospital: By Erin Castaneda; October 30, 2008; Maria Thorson, 25, who was injured in a two-car accident on Kansas Highway 10 on Oct. 23, was moved out of the Kansas University Hospital intensive care unit late Tuesday night and is continuing to recover, according to her mother, Amy Thorson.
Halloween activities abound in Lawrence area: By Erin Castaneda; October 30, 2008; There are plenty of treats and frights to delight all ages for the Halloween holiday. Take your pick, if you dare.
Get ready for your extra hour: By Erin Castaneda; October 30, 2008; When time falls back at 2 a.m. Sunday, marking the end of daylight saving time, most people enjoy the extra hour of personal time, be it sleeping, finishing chores or partying. “‘Fall back’ is usually the best, because you have an extra hour to do anything,” said Ryan Neeland, 27. That’s unless, of course, you are working the overnight shift.

Full story list

Recent photos

Police investigate a single-vehicle accident at Wood Oil Co. gas station, 920 North Second St.

Alfie Kohn, author of eleven books on education, parenting and human behavior, signs his books following a community lecture, "The Deadly Effects of "Tougher Standards" Challenging High-Stakes Testing and Other Impediments to Learning," at the Kansas University Student Union Thursday night.

Approximately 230 people watched the first presidential debate at Abe and Jake's Landing on Friday night. The watch party was hosted by the Kansas Democratic Party.

Lane Cunningham, 3, also known as "Super Lane" to his family for his battle with neuroblastoma cancer. He is currently in remission.

Lane Cunningham, 3, stares out the window of the train. Cunningham is in remission. He was diagnosed with neurblastoma cancer when he was just eight-and-a-half months old. His mother, Kara Cunningham, Baldwin, organized the train ride in Baldwin City for the first annual National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day.

Full photo list