Archit Mehta

“While the program is highly interdisciplinary, it also offers the capacity to curate a distinctive experience.”

Academic Background: Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism

Area of focus in CCT: Critical Discourse Analysis, Tech Policy, Content Analysis, Human Rights

What did you do before CCT? Before joining the Hilltop, I actively pursued a career as a journalist in India between 2016 and 2023. Throughout this period, I gained valuable experience working in diverse newsrooms, including broadcast, print, and online platforms. My journey as an investigative journalist began at Alt News, where I served as a fact-checking journalist from 2019 to 2023. In my most recent role, I held the position of Growth Manager and Fact-Checking Editor at Zan Times, a newsroom in exile that focused on reporting on Afghanistan and documenting instances of gender-based apartheid.

What activities do you participate in at CCT? In addition to my roles as a Tech and Public Policy Fellow and Researcher at The Bridge Initiative, I am grateful for the opportunities to participate in activities at CCT and Georgetown University. The faculty happy hours provide an excellent space to connect with faculty and peers in a more relaxed and informal setting. I would like to express my appreciation to the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding for their insightful series on Gaza. Throughout the past year, I have had the privilege of hearing from notable figures such as Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, politician Hilary Clinton, actor Ramy Youssef, author Kara Swisher, Haaretz correspondent for the Occupied Territories Amira Haas, and Holocaust and Genocide Studies historian Raz Segal. Furthermore, I am excited to share that in Summer 2024, I will be joining the Lede Program at Columbia University.

Why did you choose CCT? After carefully considering my options, I narrowed down my choices to the MA Research Architecture program at the University of Goldsmith London, the Mundus Journalism Program, MS Data Journalism at Columbia University, and the MA CCT — who made an offer I simply couldn’t refuse. Several factors influenced my decision, including the program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, eligibility for STEM fields, and the abundant opportunities available in Washington, DC, and the United States.

What surprised you about CCT? While the program is highly interdisciplinary, it also offers the capacity to curate a distinctive experience. I highly value the empathetic and supportive nature of the CCT admin, particularly as an international student, as it bears significant importance to me.