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.
Alumni | January-February 2010
Bruce Corsino promotes plain language
Bruce Corsino promotes "usable, efficient, and transparent" writing inside government and out.
New England Regional | January-February 2010
Researchers study tai chi benefits
Researchers study the benefits of this mind-body exercise.
New England Regional | November-December 2009
tips for healthy holiday eating
Eating well and feeling good through the holidays
New England Regional | September-October 2009
Baby boomers as volunteers
Alumni take up community service
New England Regional | September-October 2009
Gaslight, a new French bistro in Boston
A French bistro in Boston’s South End
Alumni | September-October 2009
Smile Train’s Brian Mullaney
Smile Train's Brian Mullaney ’81 aims to correct cleft-palate deformities around the world.
Alumni | September-October 2009
Harvard Alumni Association president Teresita Alvarez-Bjelland
HAA president Teresita Alvarez-Bjelland knows what makes people happy.
Slaying Dragons
A crime novelist explores the deepest cracks in the human heart.
New England Regional | July-August 2009
Look Mom, No Car!
Green travels around New England
New England Regional | July-August 2009
Al Fresco Dining
Warm-weather oases in and around Harvard Square
Commencement and Reunion Guide | May-June 2009
Square Eats
Some nearby dining gems
Plugged In
Charlene Li urges businesses to embrace social technologies.