Meet Our Interns: Gargi Mahadeshwar

What year are you and what are you studying?

I am a third-year undergraduate student studying Computer Science and Economics.

Why did you decide to work at the Duke Human Rights Center?

I started working at the Duke Human Rights Center during my freshman year because I was interested in learning more about human rights from an interdisciplinary lens. I’m happy to say that I was able to do exactly that. I have thoroughly enjoyed not only my work as an intern but also the supportive community of the DHRC.

What human rights issues are you interested in?

I’m interested in the right to education, women’s rights, and immigrant rights.

How have you interacted with human rights in the past?

At Duke, I am the co-chair of the Human Rights Student Advisory Board through which I work with students and faculty to promote human rights dialogue on campus. Outside of Duke, I served as a Software Engineering Fellow through the Civic Digital Fellowship to help government offices develop technology for public service projects. Additionally, I worked as a data fellow at the North Carolina Teachers Association, the teacher’s union in NC.

How do you plan on using human rights beyond your time at Duke?

In terms of my career, my goal is to combine my interest in technology with my passion for human rights and find ethical ways to use technology to further human rights. However, if I’ve learned anything at Duke, it’s that human rights encompass all facets of life. There is always more to be done, and human rights should always be at the forefront. I hope to foster conversation that values equity and inclusivity as we work towards furthering human rights for all.