Solutions Journalism Network Award, Honorable Mention, 2024. Words (large outlet) category. “One Unexpected Way to Reduce Violent Crime? Create Green Spaces” in National Geographic.


Excellence in Journalism Award, Second Place, Society of Professional Journalists, Detroit Chapter, 2024. Health reporting. “What to Know About Medicinal Mushrooms and Psychedelics” in SEEN magazine.

Excellence in Sports Reporting Award, Asian American Journalists Association, 2023. For “This Team of Adaptive Athletes Finished the Hood to Coast Relay—and Is Fighting for Kids With Disabilities” in Outside.

Judges’ comments:
“Burtka’s piece includes a diverse set of voices and above all, has impact. The story showcases the immediate need for insurance companies to cover ‘recreational’ prostheses — not just walking prostheses– for all ages in all states. Burtka also slid in thoughts on ways races overall can be more inclusive, including an accessible bathroom was one suggestion. Above all, the story goes the extra mile in chatting with adaptive athletes of various races and backgrounds and does a good job in driving home the point that physical activity is a basic human right.”

Excellence in Journalism Award, First Place, Society of Professional Journalists, Detroit Chapter, 2022. For engagement-driven coverage: Planet Detroit Climate Guides.

Apex Award (from Communications Concepts, Inc.), 2012. For writing, interviews and personal profiles: “Problems With Prisons,” a Q&A in Trial magazine.


Bronze Excel Award (from Association Media & Publishing), 2012. For magazine feature article: “Foreclosure Fallout” in Trial magazine.

From the judges:
“The content of ‘Foreclosure Fallout’ is compelling and shocking. The
writing takes what could be a dry subject and makes it urgent and engaging;
at the same time, the story is very well sourced and informative. Clearly the
topic is both timely and extremely valuable for Trial’s readers.”
 

Apex Award, 2008. For news writing: “Police and Human Rights Groups Are Wary of Pocket-Size Taser” in Trial magazine.


Bronze Excel Award, 2004. For news writing in a newsletter: Watershed & Wet Weather.