Throughout 2021, we were delighted to host a series of compelling webinars that highlighted the innovative work and dynamic presentations of scholars from around the world. From exploring decolonial projects in educational settings to integrating digital methods in humanities research, each session offered profound insights and sparked lively discussions at the intersection of technology, arts, humanities, and sciences. Below is a recap of the notable events from the 2021 series.
We hosted 12 Digital Fridays in 2021, where HASTAC Scholars and distinguished speakers gathered from various disciplines, delivering insightful presentations that covered a broad spectrum of topics. The richness and intensity of these dialogues not only enhanced our community but also highlighted the pioneering efforts of scholars worldwide. Here is an overview of the 2021 Digital Fridays:
Session 1: February 26, 2021
– Scyborgs and Dirty Computers: Third University through the lens of J. Monae by Kashema Hutchinson (CUNY Graduate Center): Kashema examined the works of la paperson, Janelle Monae, and Robin D. G. Kelley, discussing how these works lead to the creation of decolonial projects both within and outside universities.
Session 2: March 5, 2021
– Queer Counterpublics in Video Games Spaces and Queergaming by Luke Hernandez (University of Texas at Dallas): Luke discussed fan epistemologies within the Overwatch community, exploring how these fan interactions with queer narratives challenge and reinforce mainstream discourse.
Session 3: March 12, 2021
– University and Territory: Working Towards a Situated University by Coline Chevrin (Graduate Center, CUNY): Coline explored the roles of universities in fostering social and environmental justice, emphasizing the importance of situated knowledge and community engagement.
Session 4: March 26, 2021
– The Challenge of Teaching Reflexivity in Science and Engineering Education by Aditya Anupam (Georgia Tech): Aditya presented a framework for designing educational environments that teach reflexivity in technoscience, drawing on feminist and STS studies.
Session 5: April 16, 2021
– Divided Union: Digital Methods with Monuments, Statues, Politics, and Space by Laura Brannan and Janine Hubai (George Mason University): This session offered insights into how digital methods and historical knowledge can inform debates on race, legacies, and social justice movements.
Session 6: April 23, 2021
– Science Fiction / Science Fact: Fiction Narratives as a Technocultural Tool by Galit Ariel (York University): Galit discussed the significant impact of Science Fiction on cultural and technological developments, highlighting diverse perspectives within the genre.
Session 7: April 30, 2021
– Pedagogical Practices: A Workshop for TAs Teaching Online Under COVID-19 by Catalina Alzate and Letícia Ferreira (University of Texas at Dallas): This workshop provided a forum for Teaching Assistants to discuss online teaching strategies and share experiences during the pandemic.
Session 8: May 7, 2021
– Challenges of Digitizing Historical Recipes by Avery Blankenship (Northeastern University): Avery highlighted the difficulties and insights gained from digitizing nineteenth-century annotated recipes.
Session 9: May 14, 2021
– Reimagining Humanities Graduate Education: Expansive, Inclusive, Engaged by Katina Rogers (CUNY Graduate Center): Katina engaged in a discussion about diversifying career pathways for PhD graduates, emphasizing equity and public engagement.
Session 10: September 24, 2021
– How to be a Humanist in Tech by Lisa Tagliaferri, Erin Glass, Jeanelle Horcasitas, and Michelle A. McSweeney: This panel shared insights on transitioning from humanities PhDs to tech careers, offering practical advice for similar moves.
Session 11: October 29, 2021
– Narratives & Imaginations of Situated Technologies by Martín (School for the Future of Innovation in Society): Martín introduced analytical strategies for engaging with images of the future and technologies, focusing on alternative ways of future-making.
Session 12: November 5, 2021
– Asserting your Identity in Higher Education: Reimagining Peer Advocacy by Sam Ascencio (CUNY BA in Queer education reform): Sam discussed the importance of peer advocacy in creating inclusive educational environments, emphasizing the support for queer students.
These sessions not only provided a platform for intellectual exchange but also showcased the scope and diversity of research within the HASTAC Scholars community.