About

Lee V. Gaines is a veteran education and investigative journalist. She is currently a Reporter in Residence at the Omidyar Network. Her coverage focuses on the ways in which AI is shaping education in America’s K-12 schools and higher education institutions. Lee produces features and investigations for NPR’s broadcast programs, including Morning Edition and All Things Considered, and was previously an investigative education reporter at WFYI in Indianapolis. From 2018-2021, she was an education reporter at Illinois Public Media in Champaign-Urbana, Ill. She’s also reported for the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Reader and Chicago Magazine.

AWARDS AND HONORS

Reporter in Residence, Winter 2026 — Omidyar Network

Indiana Journalist of the Year, 2024 – Indiana SPJ

Edward R. Murrow Awards, Region 7 — (2020, 2023, 2024)

First Place Broadcast Radio News Series, 2023 — National Headliner Awards

Best Nationally Edited Feature, 2021 – Public Media Journalists Association

Best Audio Storytelling, 2018 – Education Writers Association