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.
Pouya Sepehr is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the George Simmel Centre for Urban Studies, Department of European Ethnology at Humboldt University of Berlin. He received his PhD and MA in Science-Technology-Society (STS) from the University of Vienna. He has held academic and research positions across Europe, including the University of Siena, University of Turin, and the Institute for Advanced Studies in Vienna. Pouya served as a 6S representative within the 4S Council from 2022 to 2025, where he worked on fostering collaboration within the global STS community. He is also an active contributor to interdisciplinary research groups focused on urban studies, environmental innovation, and multispecies justice.
Pouya’s research lies at the intersection of science, technology, and society, with a particular emphasis on urban mobility, sustainability, and the governance of technological infrastructures. His work explores how these elements reshape urban development strategies in Europe, with a strong focus on justice and inclusivity. His key projects include studies on mobility justice, the role of artificial intelligence in urban governance, and the politics of urban infrastructures. Pouya’s academic contributions have been published in leading journals such as Science, Technology & Human Values, Journal of Urban Technology, and Journal of Responsible Innovation. He is currently leading a project on mobility justice in Austria, focusing on traffic systems and their implications for active urban mobility.His work reflects a deep commitment to fostering more inclusive and equitable urban environments, informed by his multicultural background and extensive international experience.
Zhaopeng Li is a PhD candidate at the School of International Relations and Public Affairs, Fudan University. His research areas encompass S&T diplomacy, interdisciplinary science and policy evaluation. Specifically, his doctoral research focuses on the impact of deteriorating Sino - US relations on bilateral science, technology, and innovation. Combining scientometrics and public policy evaluation methods, the dissertation analyzes the intricately intertwined relationship among science, politics and diplomacy. Prior to the doctoral stage, Zhaopeng was among the very first batch of outstanding undergraduates selected into Elite Ph.D. Program of Fudan University initiated in 2020. And he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration from Fudan University in 2021.
Upali Bhattacharya is a Doctoral Candidate in the Department of Sociology at Virginia Tech, focusing on the intersection of education technology and social inequality, particularly in the context of India. Her dissertation explores the complexities of Ed-Tech adoption and its impact on students and teachers in New Delhi. Having recently completed her fieldwork, Upali is now in the data analysis stage of her research. Throughout her academic journey, Upali has demonstrated a strong commitment to teaching, with experience in courses such as introductory sociology, women’s and gender studies, and sociological theory. Her approach emphasizes creating inclusive and engaging learning environments. Prior to her doctoral studies, Upali worked in the social impact and development sector in India, contributing to higher education policy and education technology initiatives.
Upali holds a Master of Arts in Sociology from the Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi. Her professional experience also includes roles such as Program Management and Student Outreach Consultant at the University of Chicago Center in Delhi, where she managed educational programs and outreach strategies. Additionally, she has been involved in policy consulting for the Leadership for Academicians Program at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, focusing on higher education policy development. Her research interests span across sociology of education, digital technologies, social inequality, women’s and gender studies, and political sociology.
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.