I’m Sebastian, a researcher exploring the intersection of technology and society.

Currently working as a researcher and engineer for metaLAB (at) Harvard while studying at the Oxford Internet Institute

About

I’m a researcher and engineer working for metaLAB (at) Harvard, merging technical expertise with humanistic inquiry to explore the complex interplay between emerging technology and society. My work aims to uncover the opportunities and challenges that arise from these technologies, promoting a critical understanding of their societal impact.

Outside of research, I have experience designing and building websites as well as consulting with organizations on improving their digital strategy.

I am currently pursuing an MSc in Social Science of the Internet from the University of Oxford, and I hold a Bachelor of Information from the University of Toronto.

Areas of Research

Internet Studies
Human-Centered AI
Digital Humanities
Privacy and Surveillance
Human-Computer Interaction
Critical Security Studies
University Pedagogy

Conference Posters

Preserving the Past, Generating the Future: How Archivists Can Contribute to Generative AI’s Development

Association of Canadian Archivists Annual Conference

June 12, 2024 • With C. Thierstein

Facing the Fallout: The Private Military Contractors Protecting America’s Nuclear Arsenal

DH Fest 2024 at the University of Toronto

April 9, 2024

Dark Patterns: Deception and Manipulation in UX Design

Critical Digital Humanities International Conference

October 1, 2022 • With M. Iantorno & D. Guadagnolo

The United States of Surveillance

Digital Humanities Summer Institute (DHSI) Conference and Colloquium

June 18, 2021

Talks & Presentations

Shaping Reality: How America Wages (Dis)Information Warfare

Beyond Disinformation Research Symposium by the Universities of Manchester, Melbourne, & Toronto

October 7, 2024

Dark Patterns: Where Marketing Meets UX Design

University of Toronto CDHI Emerging Scholar Showcase

April 22, 2022

Publications

The United States of Surveillance: A Review of America’s Mass Surveillance Laws, Programs, and Oversight

Interdisciplinary Digital Engagement in Arts & Humanities (IDEAH), 3(2)

2022

Recent Employment

Engineer & Digital Humanities Researcher

metaLAB (at) Harvard, Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society

JUN 2023 – Present

Researcher

Data Nutrition Project

NOV 2024 – PRESENT

Research Software Engineer

Society for Teaching & Learning in Higher Education

Apr 2024 – Sep 2024

Research Assistant

University of Toronto

SEP 2022 – SEP 2024