Christina Riley

Describe your dissertation, thesis, or capstone (if you completed one):

My dissertation is a feminist historiography that chronicles the emergence of feminist digital collectives over the last decade, theorizing their evolution as indicative of an alternative feminist form. An intersectional analysis of the discursive spaces of #YesAllWomen, The Women’s March of 2017 and #MeToo unearths how the feminist movement’s contentious struggles over solidarity were galvanized through participation in digital social networks, engendering powerful, highly-visible on/offline group coalescence around feminist concerns such as rape culture, sexual harassment, and transformative justice.

How did you choose your specific area of study?

I had previously been working at the intersection of gender and new media, paying particular attention to new forms of activism/s that were developing in digital environments. I noticed that feminist concerns were gaining notable traction in social media spaces, and I was curious why this was the case. What was it about feminist issues that produced enhanced visibility on various digital platforms? This is the question my dissertation project seeks to answer.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?

My project was entirely shaped in and through my work as both a Cultural Studies doctoral student and a teacher in the Women's and Gender Studies as well as Integrative Studies departments. I was also fortunate enough to collaborate with a wonderful cohort through the Center for Humanities Research at Mason. I would also be remiss to not mention how deeply inspirational and supportive the Cultural Studies department and my advisory committee has been throughout the whole dissertation process. All of these experiences proved invaluable to the formation and refinement of my research.

Of which accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud?

This recognition! It shows the culmination of years of study and research; I'm not sure that the same 'me' who entered into this program would be the same 'me' who is being named a graduate honoree. This whole process has been wildly fulfilling but also quite difficult at times. So, I'm proud to see my growth as represented by this recognition.

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?

Yes, certainly. I have had to replace three dissertation committee members, and this has been quite a challenge. But, I've been fortunate to now have an amazing group that has proven so pivotal to my growth. I have greatly enjoyed working with/learning from Dr. Alex Monea; he brings knowledge and expertise that have been greatly inspirational to me. I have had more courses with Dr. Roger Lancaster than any professor, ever. He is such a prolific scholar with a wildly ferocious mind, the sharpest wit and just the biggest, loveliest heart. Alison Landsberg, the director of my committee, has had an immeasurable impact on my thinking, research and professional development. I have gained a lifelong mentor through working with Alison, and I am forever grateful for her phenomenal guidance, care, insight, and brilliance. And I love my Cultural Studies fam: Dr. Paul Smith will forever be the singularly best Cultural Studies guru and guide. Thanks to Dr. Denise Albanese for her leadership, and I definitely owe a shout-out to Jon Aponte, one of the kindest, realest CULT folx ever. He keeps the boat afloat!

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?

1. Find your voice, and then you'll find your place.
2. Know that you will change through this process; embrace the transformation.
3. Let fear fuel rather than destroy.

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?

I am about to take on a position as an Assistant Professor specializing in Digital Social Movements. This field and position greatly excite me, and I look forward to developing programming and courses on the topic. I am also dedicated to turning my dissertation project into a book-length manuscript that I hope to publish within the next couple years. Beyond my research on feminist digital collectives, I am also eager to begin research on an evolving concept I've termed 'digital micropublics;' I am currently drafting several emergent projects based on this.