Hi, I'm Sachita! I'm a 5th-year PhD candidate at Northwestern University, advised by Dr. Nick Diakopoulos. My research lies at the intersection of HCI, AI, and science communication, exploring how sociotechnical systems for news production can support the values and practice of science journalism.
Specifically, I: 1) design and evaluate AI-infused systems to support science journalists' processes of information gathering, sensemaking, and writing, and 2) examine this technology's broader impacts on the news and information ecosystem. My work suggests implications for upholding not only people's professional values, but also their sense of agency and creativity when engaged in these activities.
I've presented my work at HCI and AI conferences (CSCW, CHI, DIS, FAccT, IC2S2) and journalism events (Big Local News, SRCCON). I also blog about my work here (on and off).
You can email me at: nishal [at] u.northwestern.edu