Nell Porter-Brown
Nell Porter Brown is assistant editor of Harvard Magazine. She is a graduate of Connecticut College and recently earned a master’s degree in creative writing and literature from the Harvard Extension School. Before joining the magazine staff in 2000, she was a newspaper reporter and covered politics, business, and criminal justice. She has also worked for land conservation organizations, on documentary films, and as an editor for a pharmaceutical research marketing firm. At the magazine, she writes and edits alumni profiles, along with a section on New England arts and culture, history, food, and day trips. She seeks out diverse, novel stories and out-of-the-way places that highlight the region’s beauty and uniqueness. Throughout her career Nell has developed strong collaborative and trusting relationships with both story sources and colleagues, building a wealth of knowledge and the ability to convey human truths through storytelling.
As a magazine writer with a background in reporting for daily newspapers, Nell carefully researches every story, speaks with numerous sources, and takes multiple steps during final editing to fact-check every facet of the story. She is forthright with all interview subjects, explaining the purpose and scope of the story, and she instills a high level of trust throughout the process.
Harvard Squared | March-April 2016
Greater Boston bakeries offer European, Asian, and American sweets
Pastry shops that “do it the old-fashioned way”
Harvard Squared | March-April 2016
Drumlin Farm's sheep-shearing festival draws crowds
Woolapalooza is held at Mass Audubon’s sanctuary in Lincoln, Massachusetts.
Harvard Squared | March-April 2016
"Killer Heels: The Art of the High-Heeled Shoe," at the Currier Museum
Upward of 150 haute couture and historic shoes are on display in Manchester, N.H.
Harvard Squared | March-April 2016
The International Museum of World War II in Natick
As living memory of the war dims, curators shape a modern museum of history.
Harvard Squared | March-April 2016
Harvard's Arts First Festival in Cambridge
Harvard's Arts First Festival offers more than 100 events.
Alumni | January-February 2016
Architect Anthony Acciavatti’s work mapping the Ganges River
A decade spent exploring India’s dynamic sacred river
Harvard Squared | January-February 2016
Tower Hill Botanic Garden offers respite from winter
Tower Hill Botanic Garden’s “Month of Flowers”
Harvard Squared | January-February 2016
The Dance Complex in Cambridge is poised to grow
A long-time Cambridge arts organization is poised to grow.
Harvard Squared | January-February 2016
Fruitlands Museum WinterFest Weekends
Sledding, Nordic skiing, and art at Fruitlands Museum, in Harvard, Massachusetts
Harvard Squared | January-February 2016
Tony Torn stars in "Ubu Sings Ubu" at Harvard’s American Repertory Theater
A new cabaret version of Alfred Jarry’s subversive 1896 Ubu Roi
Harvard Squared | January-February 2016
Cooking classes throughout Greater Boston
Greater Boston’s classes for aspiring and amateur cooks
Harvard Squared | November-December 2015
Stan Munro's toothpick designs are on display at the Fuller Craft Museum
Stan Munro’s toothpick designs are on display at the Fuller Craft Museum.