Ahmed Makharesh

Dr. Ahmed Makharesh is a faculty member in the Department of Communication Studies, Media, and Journalism at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. He earned his Ph.D. in Media and Communication from the University of Southern Mississippi. His research explores the intersection of media control, digital activism, investigative and citizen journalism in authoritarian contexts. Dr. Makharesh examines how individuals in restrictive media environments use digital platforms to challenge state narratives and amplify marginalized voices. His dissertation employed a quantitative method to investigate Arab citizens’ engagement in investigative journalism and its impact on media accountability and public trust. More broadly, his scholarship integrates quantitative, qualitative, content, and textual analyses to study the media’s role in shaping cultural, political, and social discourse. Dr. Makharesh’s research ultimately seeks to highlight the transformative power of journalism and the necessity of transparent, accountable media systems in advancing democratic communication. In addition to his research, Dr. Makharesh is an experienced educator dedicated to cultivating critical media literacy and communication competence among students. His teaching areas encompass media and journalism practices, communication theory, and professional communication. He has taught various courses, including Public Speaking, Introduction to Communication, Small Group Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Broadcast Journalism, Issues in Advertising, Communication Research, Media Literacy, Professional and Business Communication, Media Management and Entrepreneurship, and Public Opinion. Through his teaching, he strives to empower students to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage responsibly in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape. Contact: amakharesh@commonwealthu.edu  linkedin.com/in/ahmad-makharesh-ph-d-16a9a498.