Data and graphics journalist based in New York City.
I build tools and tell stories at the intersection of data, design, and public accountability. I've beat major outlets to breaking graphics, built tools cited in federal legislation, and designed for print, web, social, and mobile simultaneously. Currently a Reporter at the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University.
Previously: Axios · The Marshall Project · Vox · Associated Press · Columbia Journalism Review
I report first, then build. Every graphic starts with a question, not a chart type.
I'm as comfortable turning a chart in 20 minutes on a breaking news desk as I am spending three months on a data investigation.
I write production-ready code, document my methodology, and design for mobile first — whether that's a scrollytelling interactive on a breaking news deadline or a months-long data investigation. I've built everything from custom computer vision models to living national databases to browser-based annotation tools.
Languages & analysis: Python · R · SQL · JavaScript · TypeScript Graphics & interactivity: D3 · Svelte · React · Mapbox · Observable · QGIS · ArcGIS · Datawrapper Design: Adobe Illustrator · Photoshop · Procreate · ai2html · Figma Methods: FOIA · Web scraping · OSINT · NLP · Computer vision · ETL pipelines · Statistical modeling
| Story | Outlet | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Surveyed 54,000 people behind bars about the election | Marshall Project | Python · Dagster · Observable |
| Inside America's 70-year arms pipeline to Israel | Axios | Python · Svelte · Illustrator |
| Mapping 12,000 facilities storing dangerous chemicals | Axios | SQL · Python · Mapbox · React |
| Denver's fentanyl laws caused overdose deaths to rise | Axios | R · QGIS · ArcGIS · FOIA |
| Where pro-Palestinian student protesters were arrested | Axios | Svelte · OSINT · Mapbox |
| Super Bowl ASL performers got an average of 7 seconds of airtime | Axios | Python · Computer vision |
| No passport? No problem | Axios | D3 · Svelte · React · R · Mapbox |
| U.S. school gun violence, visualized | Axios | Python · Datawrapper |
- Custom computer vision model — measured on-screen time for ASL performers across decades of Super Bowl footage, leading to NFL policy changes. (Axios, 2024)
- Browser-based annotation tool — React + pdf.js + custom SVG overlay system with cross-page arrow routing, color-coded tagging, and annotation merging. Used to produce structured datasets for AI/NLP research. (Tow Center, 2026)
- Living national chemical facilities database — ~12,000 EPA facilities, ~4,000 reported accidents, built from FOIA records using SQL + Python + Mapbox. (Axios, 2023)
- White House TikTok tracker — Python scrapers + ML image analysis + NLP sentiment system tracking engagement, visuals, and messaging strategy across 101 videos. (CJR, 2025)
- Colorado Press Association — Best Infographics & Best Newsletter (2024)
- Information is Beautiful Awards — Finalist (2023)
- Georgia Press Association — Best Newsletter & Best Profile Story (2022)
- Colorado Press Association — Best Investigative Story & Best Editorial Collaboration (2021)
tlysik.com · lysiktory@gmail.com · Bluesky · LinkedIn · Twitter/X