Joanna Stern
Born 1984 · Age 41
American technology journalist known for video and columns at The Wall Street Journal, formerly at Engadget and The Verge; Emmy and multiple Gerald Loeb award winner.
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Life & Career Timeline
Born
Joanna Ruth Stern born in New York to Susan S. Stern and Daniel R. Stern.
Started at Union College
Began undergraduate studies at Union College (studied political science and journalism).
Editor in Chief, Concordiensis
Served as editor in chief of the Concordiensis, Union College's student newspaper (tenure during college, finalized by graduation).
Career active (start of professional years)
Listed as 'Years active: 2006–present' in biographies; marks official start of professional journalism career.
Graduated Union College
Graduated from Union College (BA in Politics, Journalism, History).
Account Coordinator at Kaplow Communications
Early post-college job as account coordinator at Kaplow Communications (per profile timeline).
Joined Laptop Magazine
Started technology-writing career at Laptop Magazine, reviewing laptops and netbooks; later became news editor / contributor.
Article published: 'Dear Della' (Laptop Magazine)
Published a notable Laptop Magazine piece on sexism and laptops (evidence of active role at Laptop in 2009).
Joined Engadget as Reviews Editor
Became Reviews Editor at Engadget, writing consumer technology reviews and building profile in tech journalism.
Met future wife on Twitter
Met Michelle Katharine Barna on Twitter (February 2009); later proposed in 2013 and married in 2014.
Built The Verge review program (This Is My Next → The Verge)
Contributed to The Verge's product review program (scoring system, video strategy, testing methodology) while part of founding team.
This Is My Next evolves into The Verge
This Is My Next later became The Verge (site launch and rebrand later in 2011).
Left Engadget to start This Is My Next
Departed Engadget with several colleagues (Topolsky, Patel, Miller, Ziegler) to create This Is My Next, a site that later became The Verge.
Joined ABC News as Technology Editor
Became technology editor at ABC News, hosted video series 'Tech This Out,' appeared on network programs as tech expert.
Proposed to partner
Proposed to Michelle Katharine Barna in 2013 (met in 2009); engagement publicized later.
Named Personal Tech Columnist at The Wall Street Journal
In December 2013 Joanna Stern and Geoffrey A. Fowler were named personal technology columnists at The Wall Street Journal as part of a team replacing Walt Mossberg.
Married Michelle Katharine Barna
Married Michelle Katharine Barna in 2014; later they lived in Jersey City with their children.
Joined WSJ video leadership (deputy chief video editor / executive editor, video)
Held senior video roles at The Wall Street Journal, managing editorial direction and elevating video journalism quality (titles reported in profiles; timeframe during WSJ tenure).
Started as Personal Technology Columnist at WSJ
Became personal technology columnist (officially cited as 2014 in multiple sources), producing columns and video content for WSJ.
Settled in Jersey City
Reported as living in Jersey City with spouse and children (post-marriage residential milestone).
Webby Awards Official Honoree (Best Technology Video)
Recognized as an Official Honoree in the Webby Awards for Best Technology Video (profile/press reporting).
Published 'How to Improve Your Home Wi‑Fi' (WSJ)
WSJ piece and video on improving home Wi‑Fi, demonstrating hands-on consumer tech guidance.
Published Apple Watch review (WSJ)
Published 'Apple Watch: What Living With It Is Really Like' — a widely viewed WSJ review (video includes Rupert Murdoch cameo).
Gerald Loeb Award for Video (2016)
Received a Gerald Loeb Award for Wall Street Journal videos, including Apple Watch review and creative tech videos.
Published 'The Dumb, Delightful World of Pet Tech' (WSJ)
WSJ piece listing pet tech; humorously named their dog as a co-author in the article.
Named CNBC Contributor
Began contributing to CNBC, appearing on 'Tech Check' and other segments to discuss technology news.
WSJ 'Inside TikTok's Algorithm' video investigation
Wall Street Journal video investigation into TikTok's algorithm (she was part of WSJ video journalism; piece cited by later award).
Won News & Documentary Emmy Award
Won a News & Documentary Emmy Award (Sept 2021) for documentary 'E-Ternal: A Tech Quest to Live Forever' in science/technology/environmental coverage.
Second Gerald Loeb Award (2022)
Received a second Gerald Loeb Award in 2022 for an article on TikTok (UCLA Anderson announced winners in 2022).
Aspen Ideas Festival speaker (2023)
Spoke at the Aspen Ideas Festival in 2023 on panels about big tech, AI, and deepfakes; participated in multiple sessions.
Named NBC Contributor
Began contributing to NBC News as a technology expert and appears on TV and radio programs (profile cites contributor role).
Profile roundup and recognition (media coverage)
Featured in profiles summarizing career achievements, awards and WSJ role (indicative of continued prominence).
Key Achievement Ages
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