James Hagengruber was a professional reporter and editor for 12 years in the U.S. before becoming a diplomat. He has worked at a variety of newspapers, including as a correspondent from Iraq and Europe editor for the Christian Science Monitor, which was the first major newspaper in US to switch from daily print publication to a 24/7 online newspaper with a weekly magazine. Jim has won numerous journalism awards, including being named a finalist for the Livingston Award. He has a master of fine arts degree in creative writing and a bachelor’s degree in international relations.