I like doing things to help tech work better for society.
I'm currently the Head of Tech Research at AlgorithmWatch in Berlin, Germany. I focus a lot on questions around Auditing Algorithms for Systemic Risk, plus research and regulation around online platforms.
Some things I've previously helped create:
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The Data Skills Consultancy, to help (i) non-data people gain confidence with data and (ii) data specialists build communication and project skills.
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The Rapid Response Unit in Number 10 Downing Street, for social media analysis, crisis comms, and countering online disinformation.
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The 'Accelerate' course for the Government Communication Service, training officials in digital skills.
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The UK's international data sharing regulations, working out how GDPR and other data protections apply post-Brexit.
(You can find my full CV here)
I have a PhD in sociology of science from University College London. I studied how reason and emotion collide online. In 2013, when I started this work, this was an academically interesting topic; by 2016 it was one of the key political problems of our time. I've also worked at the think-tank Demos during the 2017 general election. I wrote about online polarisation and Cambridge Analytica, and used machine learning to crunch data for the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire show. I'm currently a Fellow at Demos, a Policy Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and an Honorary Research Associate at UCL's Science and Technology Studies Department.
I love to help people develop skills. I was nominated for a teaching award at UCL (teaching social theory and qualitative research, amongst other stuff). I've produced resources for writing clear essays, literature reviews, and other academic pieces. During Covid I supported government colleagues in the move to work from home by introducing tech and ideas to help us collaborate and look after each other remotely (things like a spreadsheet so lonely colleagues could meet for walks, anonymous methods for reporting welfare issues, etc. - if similar ideas would be useful for you, get in touch).
I used to coach amateur actors and comedians and once founded a comedy sketch troupe called CowsDrinkMilk (the name is a long story), who featured at the Edinburgh Fringe and on BBC NewsJack. A long time ago I studied physics, and can code in Python a bit. I am based in Berlin; my German is okay, and improving, but my expertise in techno music is still limited.
I really like sharing interesting ideas with people. So please do get in touch.
All views on this site are mine and do not represent any organisations.