Shamika Klassen

Dr. Shamika Klassen is a researcher and professional in the field of information science, currently working as a User Experience Researcher at Google. She is the first Black woman to earn a PhD in the Department of Information Science at the University of Colorado Boulder and is a passionate advocate for tech ethics and social justice. Her doctoral dissertation explored how Afrofuturism and Technowomanism offer new perspectives for designing future technologies tailored to Black women, femme, and non-binary individuals.

Her research focuses on topics such as tech ethics, public data studies, and supporting social movements within HCI, with numerous impactful contributions published in leading conferences and academic journals. Shamika's academic background encompasses a Bachelor's in African and African American Studies from Stanford University and a Master's in Theology from Union Theological Seminary. Throughout her career, she has not only pursued innovation in the tech industry but has also actively engaged in social justice initiatives to promote inclusivity and diversity.

• 2023–Present·Google·User Experience Researcher
  • Conducted user research in the fields of AI and assistive technology, interviewing individuals with disabilities and analyzing academic literature to support technological innovation.
• Summer 2022·Substantial·User Experience Design Research Intern
  • Improved products for an educational technology non-profit through interviews and co-design, assessing the equity-centered design maturity of projects and teams.
• 2020–2024·University of Colorado Boulder·Research Assistant
  • Participated in information science research, focusing on tech ethics and computer science education.
• 2018–2019·New York City Charter Schools·Technology Support Specialist
  • Provided technical support, including device setup, knowledge base development, and software troubleshooting.
• 2011–2012·AmeriCorps·Reading Center Coordinator
  • Established a reading center at an elementary school in New York City, coordinated student enrollment, and maintained related data.

• 2019–2024·University of Colorado Boulder·PhD and Master's (Information Science)
  • Researched tech ethics, social justice, and HCI, examining applications of Afrofuturism and Technowomanism.
• 2013–2017·Union Theological Seminary·Master's (Theology)
  • Focused on social ethics and developed the Technowomanism framework, exploring the intersection of technology and ethics.
• 2007–2011·Stanford University·Bachelor's (African and African American Studies)
  • Studied mental health issues in Black communities and contributed to academic and social initiatives.