Nicole Starosielski

Dr. Nicole Starosielski is instrumental in shaping the discourse around media infrastructures and their environmental contexts. As an Associate Professor in the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication at New York University, her scholarly work delves into the intricate cultures surrounding media infrastructures, tracing their evolution from the nineteenth-century telegraph cables to the complex web of contemporary internet systems. Her pioneering research offers a nuanced understanding of how these infrastructures shape and are shaped by their environments. Her seminal work, "The Undersea Network" (2015), provides an in-depth exploration of the development and impact of transoceanic internet cable systems. This book has been widely recognized for its insightful analysis of the global networks that underpin modern communication. Dr. Starosielski's research extends beyond historical analysis, engaging with contemporary issues and the future of media infrastructures. In collaboration with faculty from the University of California-Santa Barbara, Dr. Starosielski has co-edited influential volumes such as "Signal Traffic: Critical Studies of Media Infrastructures" (2015) and "Sustainable Media: Critical Approaches to Media and Environment" (2016). These works critically examine the intersections of media, technology, and environmental sustainability, contributing to a growing field of study that addresses the ecological implications of media systems. Currently, Dr. Starosielski is editing the "Elements" book series at Duke University Press, which aims to further explore the dynamic relationship between media and the environment. Her ongoing research project, "Media Hot and Cold," promises to offer groundbreaking insights into the role of media in shaping human experiences of temperature through technologies of heat and cold. This second monograph is set to expand the boundaries of media studies by integrating concepts of thermoception and sensory engagement. Dr. Starosielski's work is characterized by a commitment to interdisciplinary approaches, drawing from fields such as media studies, environmental humanities, and cultural studies. Her contributions have not only advanced academic understanding but have also informed public discourse on the critical role of media infrastructures in contemporary society. Through her teaching and research, she continues to inspire a new generation of scholars to explore the complex interconnections between media, technology, and the environment.