Born and raised in Framingham, Massachusetts, I jumped on the internet bandwagon early thanks to a technologically-savvy family. I always knew it offered me a world I found fascinating, and that curiousity has served me well as I explore the ways new media and technology shape and constrain others.
At the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, I learned that it was the sociological perspective that most resonated with me (Class of 2001), though my father's injunction to at least get a minor in "something useful" led me to Computer Science. Though I never became an expert programmer, my interest in the connection between society and technology grew. Sure, technology seemed really important, but why? And who was included and excluded in a world where technological skills and progress were a driving force?
My wonderful professors at Holy Cross introduced to me the idea of pursuing a PhD in Sociology, something I knew nothing about (my first reaction: "I can't pay for more school!"), but which sounded like a wonderful, though intimidating idea- getting to study ideas my whole life?! Still, I thought I wanted to take a little break before the next stage, and so applied to be an Americorps*VISTA. My vision was to enact some of my ideas about the potential of technology to help everyone. I wished to spend a year teaching computer skills in underserved areas. Where I ended up was at a non-profit called CTCNet (Community Technology Centers' Network), where I ended up staying for two years. Here I learned about the extensive and varied work being done nationwide (and internationally) in the spirit of the transformative power of technology. It is work that has continued to influence me to this day, with regard to the "digital divide" and the complexities of technological progress.
Finally, I ended up at Boston College, working on my PhD. Here, I added to my interest in technology a focus in Consumer Culture, as I realized it was impossible to extricate individuals' technological experiences from economic and cultural processes. I've been so grateful for the support BC has provided me as I explore my interests and figure out my identity as a scholar.
At the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, I learned that it was the sociological perspective that most resonated with me (Class of 2001), though my father's injunction to at least get a minor in "something useful" led me to Computer Science. Though I never became an expert programmer, my interest in the connection between society and technology grew. Sure, technology seemed really important, but why? And who was included and excluded in a world where technological skills and progress were a driving force?
My wonderful professors at Holy Cross introduced to me the idea of pursuing a PhD in Sociology, something I knew nothing about (my first reaction: "I can't pay for more school!"), but which sounded like a wonderful, though intimidating idea- getting to study ideas my whole life?! Still, I thought I wanted to take a little break before the next stage, and so applied to be an Americorps*VISTA. My vision was to enact some of my ideas about the potential of technology to help everyone. I wished to spend a year teaching computer skills in underserved areas. Where I ended up was at a non-profit called CTCNet (Community Technology Centers' Network), where I ended up staying for two years. Here I learned about the extensive and varied work being done nationwide (and internationally) in the spirit of the transformative power of technology. It is work that has continued to influence me to this day, with regard to the "digital divide" and the complexities of technological progress.
Finally, I ended up at Boston College, working on my PhD. Here, I added to my interest in technology a focus in Consumer Culture, as I realized it was impossible to extricate individuals' technological experiences from economic and cultural processes. I've been so grateful for the support BC has provided me as I explore my interests and figure out my identity as a scholar.
