Nikhila Natarajan

Nikhila Natarajan studies youth media habits and practices as it relates to the role of Artificial Intelligence in teens’ everyday media use. She approaches these topics through a mix of naturalistic observation, in-depth interviews and surveys both in person and online. Natarajan’s early work while at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information has won awards at important media conferences such as the Association of Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, and the New York State Communication Association. Her current research includes how teens and families use AI-infused media. Natarajan is the lead instructor for the Digital Communication and Information minor titled Digital Technology and Disruptive Change since Fall 2023. When she finishes work each day, she can be found at the local tennis courts—a sparring partner for high school tennis hopefuls.

M.S., Integrated Marketing Communications, Northwestern University
Diploma in Journalism, Times School of Journalism
B.A., Economics, Madras University