It was an honour to be asked to speak at the ‘Digital Dimensions of Nature Recovery’ Conference at the University of Oxford earlier this month (Nov ‘24)!
Hosted at Jesus College at their Cheng Kar Shun Digital Hub and arranged by the Digital Ecologies research group), the experience was fantastic and one I won’t be forgetting any time soon. Aside from the prestigious venue – with its gorgeous swirling design – I loved the opportunity to hear research stretching across a range of ‘digital dimensions’. To give some sense of the expansiveness of the event, presentations spanned from monitoring via hardware developments to innovative data visualisation techniques and enquiries into how species interact with technologies to become techno-organic beings. I found Donna Haraway’s ideas threaded throughout, which was a joy, being that she has been one of the thinkers who have had most influence on me!
When it came to my turn to talk – of course nerves raised their heads.
My presentation explored my personal and professional uses of technologies to make possible the emergence of sensitive relations to place and more livableliveable, vibrant, urban spaces. I talked about how technologies can be tools to connect to the urban environment and with each other, and to facilitate collaboration around shared interests.
In terms of theory – I explored the application of Legacy Russel’s ‘Glitch Feminism’ to my use of technology in my personal and professional settingslife. Throughout, I made the case for embracing ideas from non-academic environments (such as Mark Aguhar’s ‘These are the Axes’) into nature recovery work, innovation, and research environments. This is because of my belief that by bringing ‘Othered’ voices into the ways we ‘make worlds’ through digital spaces, more beautiful and vibrant alternatives may emerge.
Thinking back over the experience (it’s true that I never expected to find myself speaking at Oxford University), I can see that I’ve learnt a lesson through pushing through my nerves and self-doubt, and in walking into an unknown environment. That lesson is that leaping into an opportunity can be not only fun, but also a chance to stretch yourself into new and exciting shapes.
Please reach out to Tash if you would like to discuss anything mentioned in this blog!
Full Schedule:
