I study information and media
I am a Professor of communication, information, and media theory at the University of Illinois at Chicago
my research
I focus on humanistic and social scientific inquiries regarding how information is created, understood, and utilized.
Modern information issues are complicated, and understanding how we understand information (information literacy), where it comes from (data provenance), and how we use it (such as for training Artificial Intelligence) remain imperative to assessing our modern problems.
Much of my research focuses on participation and exclusion in the creation of knowledge and culture, and how technology and policy shape these areas of inquiry.
I employ a mix of approaches in a conjunctural analysis, combining policy analysis, political economy, media theory, history, and semiotics. Through this, I try to understand the contexts that affect diversity, equity, and inclusion barriers.
My areas of interest include artificial intelligence applications, popular culture, academic publishing, and knowledge production on the Internet (particularly Wikipedia). Understanding what gets left out and why in these areas helps to discover ways to bridge these access and knowledge gaps, helping to foster more information equity.
My research goes hand in hand with my pedagogical approach as I pursue questions about how technological mediation structures cultural production, particularly around areas of access and equity. I believe strongly in the importance of embodied practice, and my scholarly interests bridge the theoretical and the practical in all areas of my work.
My students live through technologies and witness inequity constantly, so shifting their focus towards metacognitive moments where they can reflect on technology and equity helps ground readings and teachings. My goal is to help others better critically engage the technological world through and with media technology with both my research and pedagogy.
my teaching
my philosophy
I am committed to the dual mission of the University as both a space for excellence in research and the support of a diverse student population. Teaching and research combine with service actions that support the the University, the City, and my communities.
The journal I co-founded, communication +1 supports my belief in the expansion of the field to offer opportunities to explore new areas of research. In Chicago I volunteer with multiple organizations, including in my neighborhood of McKinley Park. As with my research and teaching, I strive in these areas to increase equity, representation, and combat systemic biases by enabling, engaging, and making space for communities to contribute to knowledge systems and promote access and equity in education.