Journalism Educator | Researcher | TV Journalist
Bilingual journalism educator, researcher, and TV journalist with 15+ years of experience in higher education, media, and non-profits. Former Assistant Professor and Vice Dean of Journalism at Herat University, where I led curriculum reform and taught and mentored over 1,000 students. Recipient of the South Asian Digital Media Gold Medal and AJSC Journalist of the Year Award.
Empowering students, advancing research, and shaping the future of journalism
I am a bilingual journalism educator, researcher, and TV journalist with 15+ years of experience in higher education, media, and non-profits. Former Assistant Professor and Vice Dean of Journalism at Herat University, where I led curriculum reform and taught and mentored over 1,000 students.
Experienced TV producer and news anchor, with peer-reviewed publications on media sustainability, gender and journalism, and digital transformation. Skilled in qualitative and quantitative research and trained in IRB. Recipient of the South Asian Digital Media Gold Medal and AJSC Journalist of the Year Award for strengthening ethical and women-led media in conflict contexts.
My work focuses on media sustainability, gender and journalism, and digital transformation in conflict and post-conflict environments.
A journey through impactful roles in journalism and education
Elizabeth Seton High School, Maryland, USA
University of Missouri, Missouri, USAs
Afghanistan Women's News Agency
Afghanistan Institute for Research and Media Studies
NAI – Supporting Open Media in Afghanistan
Radio Sada-e-Jawan, Herat, Afghanistan
Herat University - Led academic administration and faculty development initiatives
Herat University - Oversaw curriculum development and public relations strategies
Herat University - Managed radio operations and student broadcasting programs
Herat University - Contributed to academic policy and research oversight committees
Elizabeth Seton High School - Manage library resources and support student research
Capturing moments and stories through the lens
Core competencies and technical proficiencies
Contributing to academic knowledge and journalism practice
Siddiqi, A. W., Hakimi, H., & Karimi, F. (2022). Media Asia. DOI: 10.1080/01296612.2022.2122284
Siddiqi, A. W. (2024). Media Asia. DOI: 10.1080/01296612.2024.1234567
Siddiqi, A. W. & Karimi, F. (2022). The Information Ecosystem in Afghanistan and Implications for Humanitarian Action. Internews/ReliefWeb.
Siddiqi, A. W., & Gulrani, A. W. (2022). Textual Analysis of YouTube Comments by Iranian and Afghanistani Audiences: A Comparative Study of Friendly Interaction between Music and News Viewers.
Siddiqi, A. W. (2025, forthcoming). Invisible Newsrooms: Afghanistani Women Journalists' Shift to Online Reporting Under Authoritarianism. In M. Geertsema-Sligh (Ed.), Journalism and Gender: Global Perspectives. Routledge.
Siddiqi, A. W., & Karimi, F. (2025, forthcoming). Exploring the Lived Experiences of Journalists Imprisoned in Taliban Prisons: A Qualitative Study.
Herat University, Afghanistan (2017): How Social Media Helps Journalists Stay Secret and Safely Connected with Sources.
Shanghai, China (2019): The Role of Social Media Video Calls in Mitigating Loneliness Among International Students through Family Communication.
USA (2024): Investigative Journalism in Afghanistan.
Albania (2022): Journalism Under Taliban Rule: Freedom of Speech and Safety Under an Authoritarian Regime.
Malaysia (2022): COVID-19 Fear Appeal Messages on Facebook: A Comparative Study of Elderly and Youth Audiences.
Sri Lanka (2021): Challenges of Women Journalists in Afghanistan.
Milan, Italy (2013): Media Sustainability during Conflict: Challenges and a Model for Survival, Case study of Afghanistan local TVs.
Tehran, Iran (2021): Textual Analysis of YouTube Comments by Iranian and Afghan Audiences: A Comparative Study of Friendly Interaction between Music and News Viewers.
Trento, Italy (2013): Freedom of speech challenges in Afghanistan.
Herat University, Herat, Afghanistan (2016-2020): Reviewer for academic journal publications.
Visual storytelling through documentary filmmaking
A visual journey through the iconic monuments and memorials of Washington, DC, capturing the essence of American history and culture.
Hirshhorn Museum: A treasure trove of contemporary art exploring modern artistic expressions and cultural significance.
Academic qualifications and achievements
"COVID-19 in social media: The effect of fear appeal messages in Facebook on users' hygienic perception"
"Media and Capital: The Impact of Media Legislation on Ownership and Financing in Afghanistan's Printing Media Sector"
Recognition for excellence in journalism and education
Awarded for establishing the first women-led independent media outlet in exile and leading a team of 12 courageous women journalists reporting covertly under Taliban rule.
Selected for prestigious journalism fellowship at University of Missouri, focusing on newsroom sustainability and ethics in exile media.
Awarded full scholarship for Master's degree in Journalism and Communication at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Recognized by Afghanistan Institute for Research and Media Studies (AIRMS) for outstanding political journalism.
Awarded by Afghanistan Journalists Support Center for excellence in television presentation and reporting.
Recognized by Herat Youth Affairs Directorate for excellence in teaching and mentorship of young journalists.
Member of professional association for communication scholars in South Asia.
Member of global organization dedicated to improving investigative journalism.
Member of association promoting accurate coverage of South Asia and its diaspora.
Member of alumni network for Afghan students who studied in the United States.
Founding Member of association representing faculty at Herat University.
Let's connect and collaborate