Aaron Krolik is not your average journalist. Few people can come home from their day jobs, pore over terabytes of leaked data in a language they don’t speak, and help win a Pulitzer Prize for it. But that’s exactly what Aaron has accomplished over the last six years. As a member of the Interactive News Technology department at The New York Times, Aaron has developed tools and formats that have revolutionized data reporting and storytelling.
In addition to his work with the Interactive News Technology department, Aaron has also collaborated with various desks at The Times on high-touch, award-winning stories. He has delved into data reporting, scraped websites, and even reverse engineered apps to uncover important stories. Some of his notable investigations include revealing how phones share supposedly anonymous data, how old photos on Flickr have powered facial recognition technology, and how military databases of fingerprint and iris scans have been sold on eBay. Aaron’s dedication to investigative journalism even led him to slander himself on the front page of the newspaper.
Recently, Aaron made the transition to a full-time role as a data and technical correspondent on the Business desk at The Times. In this new role, he will work on a range of topics, from technology to trade, with a focus on collecting and analyzing large information sets. Aaron will collaborate closely with the newsroom’s Data team, the International desk, and other departments to produce impactful stories. His unique blend of engineering skills, investigative prowess, and problem-solving abilities make him a valuable asset to the newsroom.
Since joining the Business desk, Aaron has wasted no time in making his mark. He led a groundbreaking story that uncovered how Russia obtained nearly $4 billion in restricted technology during the Ukraine war, with many chips being shipped through shell companies in Hong Kong. His ability to uncover complex stories and present them in a compelling manner has already garnered attention and praise from his colleagues.
In addition to his investigative work, Aaron has also made significant contributions to the newsroom’s technical capabilities. As a senior engineer in the Interactive News Technology department, he developed quiz and other tools that are widely used across the newsroom. He also played a key role in projects such as Wordlebot, election coverage, and the newsroom’s first live chat interface. Aaron’s curiosity and willingness to explore new ideas and technologies have helped push the boundaries of digital journalism at The Times.
Aaron’s journey at The New York Times began as a summer intern in 2015 after graduating from Duke University with a degree in electrical engineering. Since then, he has worked with nearly every desk in the building, showcasing his versatility and collaborative spirit. His dedication to excellence has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Mirror, SOPA, Polk, SABEW, and Loeb awards, which he has shared with his colleagues.
Outside of his journalistic pursuits, Aaron is also a talented musician, performing the viola with the official New York Times classical quintet known as the Qwerty Ensemble. His passion for music and journalism reflects his multifaceted talents and interests.
As Aaron embarks on this new chapter in his career at The New York Times, his colleagues and readers alike can look forward to more groundbreaking investigations, innovative storytelling, and impactful journalism. Please join us in welcoming Aaron Krolik to his new role on the Business desk.
