The new reporter will tap into the expertise of local academics and environmental groups, recruiting them for multidisciplinary research teams to produce high-quality investigative journalism. The teams will be built in collaboration with the Western New York Environmental Alliance and many of the region’s 20 universities and colleges, including the State University of New York at Buffalo, St. Bonaventure University, Canisius College and Medaille College. This project deepens the community foundation’s commitment to engaging the public in Western New York’s environmental issues. In previous years, the foundation has received funding from the Knight Community Information Challenge for its efforts to build and expand GrowWNY.org , a communications hub for citizens and environmental groups in Western New York. The foundation is currently working on a Knight-funded project to develop a mobile platform that enables low-income communities and people of color to protect their neighborhoods from environmental hazards.