Rhitu Chatterjee is a prominent Indian-American journalist renowned for her in-depth reporting on health and human behavior. With a special focus on mental health, she serves as a correspondent at NPR, where she explores how biological, cultural, and socioeconomic factors shape emotional well-being, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, immigrants, and expectant mothers. Her work blends scientific insight with empathetic storytelling, making complex issues accessible and impactful for a wide audience.

Educationally diverse, Chatterjee began her academic journey in Darjeeling, India, before earning an M.Sc. in Biotechnology from Visva-Bharati University. Her passion for science and communication led her to pursue a Master’s in Journalism at the University of Missouri, where she honed her craft in storytelling. She went on to report from New Delhi and Boston for outlets including PRI’s The World and Science Magazine, later joining NPR’s editorial team for The Salt, where she covered food, nutrition, and cultural identity.

Throughout her career, Chatterjee has been recognized for journalistic excellence, earning reporting grants from the Pulitzer Center and a Gabriel Award certificate of merit. She also mentors upcoming journalists through organizations like the Society of Environmental Journalists and the Pulitzer Center. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking with friends and spending time with her toddler—infusing everyday life with the same warmth and insight found in her reporting.