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.
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.
Pouya Sepehr is currently University Assistant and Lecturer at the Department of Science and Technology Studies at the University of Vienna. As an STS scholar in the intersecting fields of urban sociology, human geography and infrastructure studies, he primarily conducts empirical studies to capture the sociotechnical and spatial constitution of urban practices and the ways in which cities embody technologies. His research focuses on smart cities, critical algorithm studies, smart communities, urban programming, urban imaginaries, and mobility studies. Currently he is finishing his PhD thesis focusing on techno-political cultures of the smart city Vienna and the mundanity of control in the city. He has a background in development studies and architecture. Prior to his academic endeavours, he worked in the field of democratisation of rural and urban development planning for over five years. He has worked in different projects with international organisation such as the UNDP, UNEP and IIEA in different places but mainly in Iran where he is from.
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:
If you would like to serve as a 6S Engagement Liaison, please email 6srepresentatives[at]gmail[dot]com.