Hi! I’m Maegan. I’m in the process of becoming a professor; my emphasis is in media studies and political communication. My scholarship is rooted in the participatory action research method, and my dissertation focuses on how activists should leverage artificial intelligence. I believe that we won’t be living in a recognizable information system for much longer, and I’m dedicating myself to asking big questions about what media that serves the public good looks like in this emerging era. Before I became an academic, I worked in media, politics, and advocacy. I was very active in the major political media projects that shaped the 2000s and 2010s. My favorite job during that time was teaching at USC’s Annenberg school because it gave me a platform where I could equip students to lead in their interest areas and communities. Being in the classroom is a great privilege and source of joy, so I am always seeking to collaborate with colleagues who equally prioritize the student experience with their scholarly research. Since people are interested in credentials, some of mine include: serving as Arianna Huffington’s Chief of Staff in the early days of The Huffington Post, launching Variety’s Wilshire and Washington podcast about Hollywood and politics, registering hundreds of thousands of young people as Communications Director of Rock the Vote, and experimenting in virality science as the Founding Curator of Upworthy. I got my start as a reporter for The Chicago Tribune and have since been a columnist for Editor & Publisher, HuffPost, Mashable, and Salon. I also appeared on FOX Business with Neil Cavuto and CNN for OutFront’s Strike Team.Some folx know me better as an advocate. My mom and I ran a non-profit for rape victims for ten years. I've also been active in queer rights, veterans affairs, prison reform, climate change, and mental health at work. I grew up in San Diego, which explains my love of tie dye and volleyball. I am lucky to have called several cool cities home, including Los Angeles, Chicago, NYC, Washington DC, and Palm Springs. I went to UCLA for undergrad and I got my master’s degree at Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism. I currently live in Albuquerque with Parker and our cute cats, Cinna and Lee Alexander McQueen, because I’m doing my PhD in Communication at The University of New Mexico. Go Bruins! Grrrr Wildcats! Howl, Lobos! PRO TIPS*Always know UCLA’s latest basketball rankings. *Never ask me about the impending robot takeover or you'll be trapped for hours.*Be sure to bring a Fountain Diet Coke to the meeting.