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 features, alumni profiles, University news, historic notes, and arts and culture stories. She seeks out diverse, novel ideas and fresh perspectives. 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.

Keeping It Green

Profiles of Maryann Thompson, who practices sustainable architecture; Sarah Beatty, who founded a green building-supplies company; and David Hamilton, who works to preserve farmland

Sushi Deluxe

A review of a Japanese restaurant, Douzo, in Boston

At Home with Old Age

William Thomas, founder of the Eden Alternative and the Green House Project, reimagines nursing homes and residential living for the elderly.

Going Once…Going Twice…Sold!

New England’s auctions thrive

Wine...and Dine

An Italian restaurant on Beacon Hill offers great food with its wine...

Harvard Proponent

The Harvard Alumni Association’s new president is Walter H. Morris Jr. ’73, M.B.A. ’75...

Your Money, or Your Life?

The promise of a more fulfilling approach to personal finance: George Kinder, author of Seven Stages of Money Maturity, explains how financial planning is an emotional process...

In Their Nation's Service

Men of the College class of 1951 share lessons learned while doing their duty.

Fishing for Answers

Photograph by Ralf-Finn Hestoft Neil Shubin and Tiktaalik In 2005, parents and school officials in Dover, Pennsylvania, were locked in a...

Out and About

As winter is nudged out by the first warm days of spring and the refreshing sight of a few green shoots, we all welcome the chance to explore...

Aging Gracefully at Home

As board president of Staying Put in New Canaan, Tom Towers, M.B.A. ’64, believes in self-reliance. The Connecticut organization, modeled...

Buzz, Buzz

If you’re 30-plus and want a fun night out with live music and a splash of funk, where do you go? The clubs and bars lining Lansdowne and...