About Jeremy

I am a senior at Michigan State University, majoring in International Relations and Comparative Cultures and Politics. I am specializing in Muslim Studies.

Prior to attending MSU, I served for four years in the U.S. Air Force. I deployed twice in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, and served in a number of other capacities worldwide. During my fourth year of service, I applied and was selected for the Scholarship for Outstanding Airman to ROTC. This program sent me to MSU to finish up my bachelors degree. Following graduation, I will return to the U.S. Air Force and immediately enter pilot training.

Given my experience, I am very interested in how the U.S. Air Force prepares airmen for deployment, specifically with regards to culture.

My wife's name is Danielle. We have been married since 2008. She is in the final stages of earning her Masters in Social Work.

Recent stories by Jeremy

Michigan State students have new 'reflection room'

By Jeremy Blaney, Michigan State University United States

Students who want to practice their faith on campus now have a "reflection room" in which to do it at Michigan State ...(Read)

Published December 12, 2009

You’re a Muslim? There’s an app for that

By Jeremy Blaney, Michigan State University United States

If you want to read a verse from the Koran, there’s an app for that. If you want to be reminded of the five daily pr...(Read)

Published November 09, 2009

Air Force ROTC cadets learn to avoid cultural conflicts

By Jeremy Blaney, Michigan State University United States

Air Force ROTC Cadets learn about foreign cultures both inside the classroom and abroad.(Read)

Published October 24, 2009

Recent Comments on Jeremy's stories

Beth Potter commented on "Michigan State students have new 'reflection room'" (2 months ago)

Strong reporting and good use of quotes. This story required very little editing, and it's an interesting read. Please check with the UPI stylebook on various religious words and uses. I decided we should leave "Christian" and "Muslim" in the story. All in all, a very nice job!

Ted Iliff commented on "You’re a Muslim? There’s an app for that" (3 months ago)

This story required only light editing. Some lines were tightened, and some capitalization and punctuation was corrected. Titles are only capitalized if they appear before the name, and Dr. is only used for medical doctors, dentists and veterinarians. The last two lines were cut because the direct quote seemed to contradict the preceding sentence. The order of sentences in the quote about resisting technology was changed for clarity. This was done only after it was clear the reordering would not change the meaning or context. Good photos too, showing us the activities in your story and the people who were quoted. This is the kind of reporting that helps to counter stereotypes and misconceptions about Islam. It's a good yarn that promotes understanding.

Harumi Gondo commented on "You’re a Muslim? There’s an app for that" (4 months ago)

great pics!

Ted Iliff commented on "Air Force ROTC cadets learn to avoid cultural conflicts" (4 months ago)

Overall, this story required the least amount of editing and rewrite of any I have seen from a UPIU contributor.

I cut a couple of quotes that didn't seem to add much to the story and condensed a few others. There is a tendency for writers to "empty the notebook," but after the writing process is finished, the writer should challenge every element to determine whether it is needed, whether it's in the right place for flow, and whether it can be condensed to present the information in fewer words.

The pictures from Morocco are excellent; the ROTC ones don't offer much more to the understanding of the story. Also, photos always need credits.

This runs about 900 words, a little over our preferred 800-word target for features. But the writing and reporting made further cuts very difficult, so I didn't.

Well done.