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Dante Chinni

Director at The American Communities Project

Dante Chinni is a data and political journalist who serves as the Director of the American Communities Project based at Michigan State University's School of Journalism.14 He is also an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University and a Research Advisor at Gallup.4

Chinni's work focuses on exploring the divides in America by studying how demographic differences affect community economics, culture, and politics.3 He created the Patchwork Nation project and is the author of the book "Our Patchwork Nation".34

In his professional roles, Chinni:

  1. Writes the weekly "Politics Counts" column for The Wall Street Journal, using data and reporting to identify new trends in American politics.4
  2. Works as a data journalist and national affairs reporter for NBC News.4
  3. Directs the American Communities Project, which uses demographic data to categorize the nation's 3,100 counties into 15 types of communities.13

Chinni is a graduate of Michigan State University, where he majored in journalism and history.3 He currently lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife, Christina Ianzito.13

The American Communities Project, under Chinni's leadership, is currently engaged in a three-year study of American Fragmentation, funded by a $2.4 million grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.12 This project combines survey research, data analysis, and on-the-ground reporting to better understand what is dividing the country and potential solutions.12

Related Questions

What are the main findings of the American Communities Project?
How does the American Communities Project classify different types of communities?
What is the significance of the $2.4 million grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation?
How does Dante Chinni's work at the Wall Street Journal and NBC News influence his projects?
What are some key differences between the various community types identified by the American Communities Project?
Dante Chinni
Dante Chinni, photo 1
Dante Chinni, photo 2
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Location

Washington, District of Columbia, United States