Melissa Rovner

Melissa Rovner is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) in the Architecture department, where she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her students. She earned her PhD from the University of California, Los Angeles, and holds a Bachelor of Architecture from California Polytechnic University. Her academic journey has been marked by a deep commitment to understanding the intricate connections between labor, housing design, neighborhood development, and identity formation, particularly in the context of environmental inequalities. Rovner's research is distinguished by her innovative use of digital humanities tools, which she employs to create multimodal and immersive environments. These environments serve as platforms to uncover and highlight marginalized narratives and experiences within urban settings, offering new perspectives on the challenges faced by these communities. Her work is not only theoretical but also practical, as she actively engages with the communities she studies. Her contributions to the field have been recognized through her publications in the Journal of Planning History, where she has shared her insights on social surveys and property valuation. These publications reflect her dedication to advancing knowledge in her field and her ability to translate complex ideas into accessible and impactful research. In addition to her research, Rovner is passionate about teaching and has been acknowledged for her innovative approach to digital humanities pedagogy. She was awarded a Mellon Teaching Innovation Grant, which underscores her commitment to enhancing the educational experience for her students and integrating cutting-edge technology into her teaching methods. Currently, Rovner is involved in an exciting digital storytelling project in collaboration with the Chicago History Museum. This project not only allows her to apply her expertise in digital humanities but also provides a platform for her to engage with the broader community. Her role as a Digital Humanities Curatorial Fellow at the museum further highlights her dedication to bridging the gap between academia and public history, ensuring that diverse voices and stories are heard and preserved for future generations.