Serine Gabrielyan
| Serine Gabrielyan is a student at the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs in Tbilisi, where she studies multimedia journalism and media management. Originally from Vanadzor, Armenia, she graduated from Vanadzor State University with a degree in Journalism and earned a Master’s degree in Public Relations from Yerevan State University. With over eight years of experience as a journalist and web editor, Serine considers journalism an integral part of her life. She believes that today’s challenges in the profession include disinformation, misinformation, fake news, and media manipulation. By joining Myth Detector Lab, she aims to explore strategies for combating these issues and to acquire the tools necessary for her work.
Contest Material: The Elections in Georgia and the Ethnic Minorities PUBLISHED MATERIAL: The video does not feature Jewish people trying to “build a new Israel” in Ukraine |
Turan Mammadrzayev
| Turan holds a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Baku State University and is currently pursuing a degree in Process and Project Management at the University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw. He works as a Social Media Manager for an NGO in Azerbaijan. His interests include politics, philosophy, and media, and he also identifies as a graphic designer and video editor. In his spare time, Turan is an avid reader of articles and books, as well as a cinephile. He is currently working on a media project that explores the role of media in conflict situations.
PUBLISHED MATERIAL: Visual manipulations about Donald Trump questioning his religious identity |
Nurlana Hajiyeva
| Nurlana studied Business Informatics at Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, where she took various courses in finance, management, programming, logistics, and other related fields. She has professional experience as a translator and news editor and is particularly interested in journalism and multimedia.
Contest Material: Russia’s Interests in the Middle East: Control, Strategies, and the Role of Propaganda PUBLISHED MATERIAL: False claim as if Hollywood stars are fleeing the U.S after Trump won the elections |
Lizi Eloshvili
| Lizi has a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Caucasus University. As part of the Erasmus+ program, she studied political science at Radboud University in the Netherlands. Lizi is mainly interested in national security and policy issues. Currently she is participating in the National Security & Public Policy training course at Georgian Foundation of Strategic and International Studies. |
Shahla Karimli
| Shahla is an independent journalist from Baku, Azerbaijan. She has been freelancing as a video reporter for various media outlets, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Meydan TV, BBC News Azerbaijan, and Toplum TV. She graduated from Lankaran State University and Baku State University. |
Daniela Dolotova
| Daniela works as a journalist and content editor at Vikna-novyny. Her passion is telling stories about people. She began her career with the Good Guest charity project, which provides essential products to pensioners. This experience inspired her to write articles about real individuals, particularly those facing challenges, and to seek solutions to their problems through her journalistic work.
Contest Material: Prisoners of Propaganda: How Russia Creates Lies About Ukrainian POWs PUBLISHED MATERIAL: Another fabricated graffiti of Volodymyr Zelenskyy is circulating on Russian accounts |
Sandro Chichinadze
| Sandro is currently pursuing his M.A. in Political Science at Ilia State University and holds a B.A. in International Relations and Diplomacy from Caucasus University. During the fall semester of 2023-2024, he participated in an exchange program at the Arctic University of Norway, where he studied Peace and Conflict Studies. Alongside his academic journey, Sandro gained valuable experience as an intern in the Communication Department of the Administration of the President of Georgia and later at the U.S. Embassy. He is currently completing a traineeship in National Security and Public Policy at the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, also known as the Rondeli Foundation. |
Harutyun Papikyan
| Harutyun is currently a freelance journalist, pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism at Shirak State University. He is originally from Gyumri and is developing expertise in investigative, fact-checking, and financial journalism, having written articles on these topics for the South Gate CSJS website and various financial Telegram channels. He has also participated in various journalism courses and youth exchange programs, including Erasmus+ Youth Exchange, training on investigative journalism and fact-checking.
Contest Material: Media in Armenia After the Velvet Revolution: Progress or Challenges PUBLISHED MATERIAL: No evidence that Johnny Depp decided to open a jewelry store in Russia |
Amina Mammadova
| Amina studied International Relations at Azerbaijan State University of Economics. She has completed various journalism courses in Azerbaijan and has worked for Radio Liberty, Mikroskop Media, Jam News, the BBC Azerbaijani Service, and several other media outlets. Amina specializes in multimedia, documentary filmmaking, and storytelling. Her primary focus is on human rights, particularly the issues faced by women, children, the LGBTQ+ community, and various ethnic groups who are victims of violence and exploitation.
Contest Material: Independent Media Under Pressure PUBLISHED MATERIAL: A Fabricated cover of Charlie Hebdo disseminated by the Russian language accounts |
Milena Gevorgyan
| Milena is currently a student at Yerevan State University. Alongside her studies, she works at the investigative newspaper “Hetq,” where she is part of the fact-checking team, ensuring accuracy and transparency in journalism. Her passion for uncovering the truth and holding power accountable drives her work. Milena also manages the newspaper’s social media presence, using AI to engage the audience and share important stories. As she mentioned, MythLab has been incredibly valuable to her, offering insights and skills that she is excited to apply in her journalism and social media strategies on a daily basis.
PUBLISHED MATERIAL: Fabricated statement suggesting Trump appointing Tucker Carlson as White House Press Secretary |
Nutsa Sparsiashvili
| Nutsa holds a Master’s degree in Public Relations and has experience as a communications specialist and journalist. Her interests include issues related to democracy, gender equality, and conflictology. Nutsa is one of the creators of the Facebook page კეთილშობილ ვაჟთა ინსტიტუტი, which aims to highlight gender stereotypes present in society. In her free time, she enjoys dancing Flamenco and attending musical events.
Contest Material: PUBLISHED MATERIAL: Fabricated Cover of German Handelsblatt featuring Volodymyr Zelenskyy |
