My parents have all been deeply involved in science, technology and education, and this has shaped my life path. My Mom and Dad were graduate students in the 1970s; she studied biochemistry and became fascinated with DNA while he studied computer science and helped build out the precursors to the Internet. They often brought me to school with them, and they taught me how to use the computer mainframe as a kid. My stepmother is passionate educator – a middle school principal who taught social studies for years. My stepfather, who has worked with NASA since the 1960s, spearheaded efforts to convert the Ames military base into a center for interdisciplinary scientific research. With these sorts of role models – and all four of my parents have been hugely influential – it was inevitable that I would end up teaching, researching and writing about emerging technologies. And don’t even get me started about my grandmother! I studied political science as an undergraduate, but quickly realized that the field of communication is an ideal home for anyone interested in the social implications of new technology. (My doctorate is in communication.) These days, if you want to study web development, user-centered computer programming, game design, film, social media, participatory subcultures, Internet law, or on-line journalism, communication is the place to be. How important was reading/seeing sf books, movies and the like in leading you down this academic path? Life without science fiction and fantasy books, movies, games, and graphic novels would be empty, drab and miserable. It’s almost impossible to contemplate. How difficult was it to convince Trinity to fund this series of lectures by mavericks, sf weirdos and self-described geeks?
4.28 Trinity University. Consistently recognized as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the western United States, Trinity University is located near downtown San Antonio. With approximately 3,000 students, and a 10:1 studentfaculty ratio, Trinity University offers a stimulating environment for teaching and research. The book you hold in your hand is just one example of the creative freedom nurtured on the Trinity campus.
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Not at all difficult. One of the many great things about Trinity University is the institution’s liberal arts mentality and the administration’s willingness to fund a wide range of creative projects. It’s important to note that the Martha, David and Bagby Lennox Foundation provided financial support for this series. The Lennox Foundation has funded several seminar series on topics ranging from the role of poetry in contemporary society to aesthetics and the philosophy of music. Historically, Trinity University has recognized that some of the most interesting discoveries emerge from the margins. Statisticians are obsessed with developing mathematically sound generalizations about the “mean” and “median” of the population, but statistical outliers are just as important – often much more so – than those data points captured within the “normal curve.” Of course science fiction fans already understand the limitations of normality and the value of statistical outliers.
Reality Hackers : Appendices : Participants