Hi! I’m Maegan. I’m a former politico becoming a professor. My academic scholarship is rooted in the participatory action research method, and my dissertation focuses on teaching strategics for AI in Communication. I believe that we won’t be living in a recognizable world for much longer, and I’m dedicating myself to asking big questions about what information flows that serve the public good look like in this emerging era.​

 

I previously worked in media, politics, and social impact. I was very active in the major political media projects that shaped the 2000s and 2010s. My favorite job during that time was teaching at USC’s Annenberg school because it gave me an opportunity to equip students to lead in their interest areas and communities. This role helped me determine that I want to use the next phase of my career to help students and the general public navigate how AI will reshape society.

 

Since people are interested in credentials, some of mine include: serving as Arianna Huffington’s Chief of Staff in the early days of The Huffington Post, launching Variety’s "Wilshire & Washington" podcast about Hollywood, politics and tech (wayyyy before everyone had a podcast!), registering hundreds of thousands of young people as Communications Director of Rock the Vote, and experimenting in virality science as the Founding Curator of Upworthy. I got my start as a reporter for The Chicago Tribune and went on to be a columnist for Editor & Publisher, HuffPost, Mashable, and Salon. I also appeared on FOX Business with Neil Cavuto and CNN for OutFront’s Strike Team.

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Some folx know me better as an advocate. My mom and I ran a non-profit for rape victims for ten years. I've also been active in LGBTQ rights, veterans affairs, prison reform, and mental health at work.​

 

I grew up in San Diego, which explains my love of tie dye and volleyball. I am lucky to have called several cool cities home, including Los Angeles, Chicago, NYC, Washington DC, and Palm Springs. I went to UCLA for undergrad and I got my master’s degree at Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism. I currently live in Albuquerque with Parker and our cute cats, Cinna and Lee Alexander McQueen, because I’m finishing my PhD in Communication at The University of New Mexico. Go Bruins! Grrrr Wildcats! Howl, Lobos!

 

PRO TIPS

• Always know UCLA’s latest basketball rankings.

• Never ask about the impending robot takeover or you'll be trapped for hours.

• Be sure to bring a Fountain Diet Coke to the meeting.

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