I am a teaching professor at Lyman Briggs College, Michigan State University, where I am the Founding Director of the Collaborative Experiential Learning Laboratory (CELL). I teach courses in philosophy of science, science and technology studies, and critical making. I have an active research agenda investigating how technology affects what we know. Initially, I focused on scientific instruments and computers in nuclear science. Currently, I am investigating the circulation of knowledge online and I am exploring uses of technology in the classroom. This research seeks to situate our epistemic circumstances within a background of values, capabilities, and material and social technologies. I have a PhD from the Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, University of Toronto.
I am currently working on a book about knowledge on the internet in collaboration with Boaz Miller of Zefat Academic College, Israel. We examine an assortment of technologies and practices, ranging from autocompleted search results and deepfakes to GPS wayfinding and social media sharing. In summer 2022, we were Visiting Fellows at the Center for Advanced Internet Studies. In addition, we are delighted to have won a spot in the 2023 Ann Johnson Institute for STS Book Manuscript Workshop.
We are also working on a paper on synthetic media and the effortless creation of fictional worlds.
I am also exploring the infrastructure and methodologies of education, combining scholarly research into pedagogy and laboratories with the practice of critical making.
See my research page for more!
LB 133: Introduction to History, Philosophy, and Sociology of Science
UGS 200H: Critical Making to Solve Wicked Problems
LB 492: Senior Seminar (x2) Topic: “Living and Learning" (hover for description)
LB 322: Advances in Science and Technology (x2)
MC/LB 459: STEPP Senior Seminar
Writing letters is part of my job, so you never need feel awkward about making a request.
It is my policy to write a letter only when I am confident that I can write a strong letter of support. This means that I must know you well enough to speak with confidence about your performance, whether as a student, researcher, or another position. It also means that I will need your help assembling the pertinent details of your case. Finally, I will need all the relevant information at least two weeks before the first deadline. Even when meeting all three of these conditions, I may have to decline your request if I am already overcommitted -- therefore, it is helpful to contact me as early as possible.
I receive many requests for letters each semester. As an aid to my own organization, I ask that you fill out this form.