Kaagni Harekal
Brooklyn
Summary
Detail-oriented and collaborative researcher, writer, and editor with 6+ years of experience managing literary, historical, and cultural projects. Proven ability to conduct rigorous research, ensure accuracy, and work closely with editors and writers to produce high-quality, factual content. Skilled in verifying claims, interviewing experts, and synthesizing complex information into clear, accessible narratives. Looking for opportunities in editorial and fact-checking roles within dynamic editorial teams.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Researcher
Columbia University
01.2019 - Current
- Received the Marjorie Hope Nicolson Fellowship to conduct historical, literary, and cultural research on postcolonial India
- Conducted independent, interdisciplinary research on the politics of reproductive rights in post-Independence India; Methods: Researched state policy and cultural production; engaged with a range of complex sources to identify key insights and synthesize them into compelling narratives for specialist and generalist audiences.
- Secured over $7k in grant funding to conduct research in 6+ archives internationally; Acted as a research assistant, fact-checker, and copy editor for professors in the Law and Literature departments.
- Produced 250-page dissertation and collaborated with faculty and editors to ensure high scholarly standards; presented work at national and international conferences.
Writing Consultant
Columbia University
01.2022 - Current
- Worked with 200+ advanced dissertation writers, MA students, undergraduates, and medical students on a range of writing projects across all stages of development; Gave feedback in a range of modalities.
- Developed and led programming based on latest writing studies research; led workshops on source use and credibility, researching for complexity, and developing thesis ideas.
Educator
Columbia University
01.2020 - Current
- Designed and taught literature, theory, and composition curricula to a range of students (from freshman to seniors and formerly incarcerated students), working closely with students to ensure clarity in presenting complex ideas and conducting thorough research.
- Managed groups of 14 to 70 students, collaborating cross-functionally with program directors, department heads, and administrators to achieve course-specific learning goals, including fact-checking sources and citations.
- Mentored high school students from marginalized backgrounds and senior thesis writers.
Writer and Consultant
Khabar Lahariya
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Company Overview: Khabar Lahariya is India’s first and only rural feminist journalism collective.
- Wrote articles on historic events such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on migrant laborers and the farmer’s protests for collaborations with prominent Indian news outlets such as The Wire, Scroll, and FirstPost, ensuring the accuracy and fairness of all reported facts.; translated interviews in local languages, while cross-referencing claims and consulting with experts to verify the factual integrity of stories.
- Collaborated with research groups on projects to design and implement quantitative and qualitative surveys, ensuring all data was accurately collected, analyzed, and presented.
Education
Ph.D. candidate - English and Comparative Literature
Columbia University
New York, NY01.2025
M.Phil. - Philosophy in English and Comparative Literature
Columbia University
New York, NY01.2022
M.A. - English and Comparative Literature
Columbia University
New York, NY01.2020
Post Graduate Diploma - Advanced Studies and Research (English)
Ashoka University
01.2019
BA - History (Major) and English (Minor)
Ashoka University
Skills
Languages: English, Hindi, (Fluent), French (intermediate), Spanish (Reading proficiency), Tulu (Fluent)
Certifications: Certificate in Law and Literature (Institute of Comparative Literature and Society), Center for Teaching and Learning Foundational Track Certificate
Timeline
Writing Consultant
Columbia University
01.2022 - Current
Educator
Columbia University
01.2020 - Current
Lead Researcher
Columbia University
01.2019 - Current
Writer and Consultant
Khabar Lahariya
01.2017 - 01.2021
M.Phil. - Philosophy in English and Comparative Literature
Columbia University
M.A. - English and Comparative Literature
Columbia University
Post Graduate Diploma - Advanced Studies and Research (English)
Ashoka University
BA - History (Major) and English (Minor)
Ashoka University
Ph.D. candidate - English and Comparative Literature
Columbia University
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