Ariel has covered water issues, transportation and defense for E&E News. She worked previously for The Standard-Times in New Bedford, Mass., where her coverage focused on the offshore wind industry and toxic waste. In 2013 and 2014 the New England Newspaper and Press Association awarded her first place in environmental reporting and second place in investigative reporting, respectively, for her coverage of the New Bedford Harbor Superfund site. She graduated from Brandeis University in 2011 with a degree in American studies.