Mila Mascenik

I successfully defended my master's thesis in June 2026, concluding my program! My topic was on the decline of traditional arts criticism produced in newsrooms and the new forms of criticism emerging on digital platforms amid this decline. My program kept me busy the entire year it lasted - I completed several interesting courses, learning about subjects ranging from how to be a freelance journalist to experimenting with narrative storytelling techniques. I also took two unique opportunities to deepen my understanding of editing and enhance my skills.

The first required me to do something I'd never done before - create my own syllabus! I pursued an independent study, supervised by Hussman Professor Andy Bechtel, on how editors across fields are integrating AI into their workflows. My deliverables consisted of a three-part article series and a reflection piece. I chose this topic because of its relevance in media today and my desire to hear firsthand how AI is affecting my industry. The second opportunity was serving as the editing intern for The Washington Daily News. Whether it was local politics or community events, I enjoyed learning about this waterfront North Carolina community with every story I helped copyedit and proofread. Both experiences reaffirmed my belief that editors who care about the details that make a story effective, like flowing sentences, precise punctuation (no Oxford comma here!) and preserving an author's voice truly matter.