John Sopinski has been an award-winning infographics reporter for more than 10 years, first at The Kansas City Star and then at the Rocky Mountain News in Denver, Colo., until its closure in February 2009. He is currently graphic artist for the Report on Business at The Globe and Mail in Toronto, Canada.

Before beginning his career in journalism, John taught French for five years at the University of Kansas while completing his graduate studies. He also taught beginning through advanced French for one year at John I. Leonard High School in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Interests: In his spare time, John enyoys bicycling, hockey and skiing. He also enjoys languages and literature. He is fluent in French and Italian with a reading knowledge of Spanish.

Education: John holds a B.F.A. in design with a minor in French; M.A. in French literature; and GLP (Graduate Licensure Program in Education) from the University of  Kansas. In addition, he studied for one year at the Université de Bordeaux III and Ecole des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux through a program with the University of Colorado.