Graduate Student Research Symposium

PhD Candidate
Department of Anthropology
Columbia University, USA

Paper Title: Demos as a Departure Point for Exploring Ethnographic Praxis

Paper Abstract:
My research investigates the role and contributions of ethnographic praxis with respect to rapid protyping and demonstrations (demos), both live and through video. What does this work look like in the real world? For the past two years I have inhabited the MIT Media Lab as a colleague and observer, particularly within the labs that focus on tangible user interface (TUI) design and personal robotics research. As a graduate student in media studies and anthropology, what has interested me is how creativity is effectively institutionalized, how stories of innovation are mobilized and how they obtain within different contexts and communities. From industry directed research at places such as the Media Lab, to corporations and even NGOs or non-for-profits, the challenges and methods of ethnographic praxis are at once shared as well as productively distinct.

PhD Candidate
College of Design
North Carolina State University, USA

Paper Title: From the Field and Back: How do Multidisciplinary Teams with Design Backgrounds, Use Visual Language to Negotiate Disputed Concepts Related to Field Insights

Paper Abstract:
To develop solutions that fit the demand of an increasingly complex world, an integrated vision coming from varied experts is needed. In a particular way, designers have moved from designing isolated artifacts towards the assessment of multifaceted problems at the systems level. This shift of practice, where design has become strategic to companies and organizations, has led to the inevitable convergence between three “disciplinary tribes”: Designers, Engineers and Social Scientists. This study seeks to unveil and understand how diverse disciplines, in conducting project-based teamwork, use diagrams and graphics as boundary objects [Star, Leigh and Griesemer1989] to aid in the negotiation of contested terms. These terms are usually crafted under specific disciplinary constraints and mindsets that make the negotiation instance complex yet crucial for interdisciplinary work.

Masters Candidate
Global Health
George Washington University, USA

Paper title: Measures of Effectiveness Indicators Related to Health, Stress, and Strategic Outcomes on US Naval Ship Comfort: A Pilot Study

Paper Abstract:
The goal of this qualitative study is to examine the effects of short-term Medical Stability Operations (MSOs) delivered by U.S. Navy hospital ships. Findings will inform the design of specific Measures of Effectiveness (MOE) indicators used collectively to evaluate medium- to long-term outcomes of MSOs. We will explore perceptions of host nation patients, providers, and local healthcare experts to gain a broad perspective of relevant issues. Findings will be incorporated into the design of specific MOE in consideration of operational realities, local environments, and the types of interventions conducted by MSO rotations. Using previously developed broad core indicators developed by RAND as a starting point, our aim is to offer more specific, operationally relevant recommendations for designers, participants in and evaluators of collaborative health missions.

PhD Candidate
Applied Anthropology
University of South Florida, USA

Paper Title: Prototyping E-Government Programs through Ethnographic Research

Paper Abstract:
Electronic government (e-government) programs are among the most prolific public technology initiatives in developed countries by using Internet and computer technologies to provide services to the general public. However, little ethnographic research exists about egovernment. This paper analyses how ethnographic techniques can be used to prototype better ways of experiencing e-government programs locally. A case study based on 16 months of ethnographic fieldwork in the US contextualizes the analysis. This research largely occurred in libraries and non-government organizations (NGOs) with low-income Americans who completed an online welfare application for food, medical and cash assistance.