Aoir Conference

My head is swimming with new ideas and I’m not quite yet to the point where I can focus. I’ve had some great conversations over the past few days – some with folks I’ve communicated with online before, some of whom I’ve read their work, others that I will read and plan to correspond with. It’s been such a great opportunity to have an international conference right here in Chicago during my time in the masters program here.

I must say a few words about the keynote Friday from Saskia Sassen (the U of Chicago Sociologist) which was just completely fascinating. I was struck by her interdisciplinary experience and mastery of theory and willingness to bring it into the real world. I’m really looking forward to reading Digital Formations. I was also fortunate enough to be invited to lunch with her afterward. She asked each of the graduate students (there were about five of us) about our work and I was able to explain my thesis project – which is sometimes difficult for me – and she was very helpful and encouraging. It was quite an experience.