About 6S


The Society for Social Studies of Science Student Section (6S) exists to facilitate interactions among students and junior scholars of science studies, and to promote the interests of students within 4S. 6S is coordinated by three student representatives who serve staggered three year terms.

6S Student Representatives 2020-2021

Angela Okune is a doctoral candidate in the University of California Irvine’s Department of Anthropology. She studies data practices and infrastructures of research groups working in and on Nairobi, Kenya in order to explore broader questions of equity, knowledge production and socio-economic development in Africa. From 2010 – 2015, as co-founder of the research department at iHub, Nairobi’s innovation hub for the tech community, Angela provided strategic guidance for the growth of tech research in Kenya. She was a Network Coordinator for the IDRC and DFID-funded Open and Collaborative Science in Development Network (OCSDNet) (2014 – 2018) and co-editor for open-access book Contextualizing Openness (University of Ottawa Press). Okune is a member of the Platform for Experimental and Collaborative Ethnography design team.

Misria Shaik Ali is a doctoral candidate at the Department of Science and Technology Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Her doctoral research focuses on India’s uranium based nuclear fuel cycle, the politics of knowledge production about irradiation, and the postcolonial politics around making India a self-reliant and hindu nation, and its effect on radiation protection. Her research interests include politics of science and technology, violence and alterity, sensory studies, environmental politics and the politics of colonialism. Prior to her stint at RPI, Misria worked as research and teaching assistant at the Centre for Study of Knowledge Systems, O.P. Jindal Global University for two years. She is currently also serving as director and treasurer of Project Kalpavriksh Society and founding member of the Yugma network. She regularly contributes to Seminar magazine, India and newspapers like the FirstPost, Outlook, Deccan Herald among others.

Barkha Kagliwal is a PhD Candidate at the Department of Science and Technology Studies, Cornell University. Her research focuses on food processing technologies as a solution to the problem of food wastage. Using the case of Mega Food Parks in India, the thesis analyzes visions of this infrastructure and the food system. While processing is envisioned as a technological fix, it is not a panacea for all food system related problems. Prior to Cornell STS, Barkha pursued a Masters in Anthropology at the New School for Social Research, NY and worked in healthcare settings both in the UK and in India.

6S Engagement Liaison

While the 6S representatives are elected positions, there is also an opportunity to serve the 4S community through a volunteer role as a 6S Engagement Liaison. There is no limit to the number of liaisons but the liaison positions are reviewed and renewed annually at the time of the annual 4S meeting.

Description of Role

As a 6S Engagement Liaison, you may:

  • Lead 6S working groups throughout the year. During 4S annual meetings, working groups may help organize and lead sketches for the 6S workshop.
  • Support the organizing of the annual 6S workshop in other ways.
  • Contribute towards developing and executing the strategy of growing and improving the programming of 6S.
  • Contribute in other ways as you deem fit.
  • There are no minimum time requirements, but you are expected to be timely in responding to emails and to work closely and collaboratively with the 6S representatives and other Engagement Liaisons.

If you would like to serve as a 6S Engagement Liaison, please email 6srepresentatives[at]gmail[dot]com.