Niloufar Esmaeili
Ph.D. Fellow
Department of English
University of Texas at San Antonio
1. Why did you apply to HASTAC?
I applied to HASTAC to keep myself in dialogue with all the people contributing to the field of digital humanities and learn from them. As a doctoral student who is invested in the intersection of transnational feminism and digital humanities, I believe HASTAC is an excellent platform for engaging with a diverse community of scholars, learning from their experiences, and collaborating on research projects. There is a lot for me to learn in this field, and HASTAC offers the perfect opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills.
2. What has been your favorite course so far as an instructor or student? Why?
One of the most impactful courses for me so far has been “Feminist Cartographies” with Dr. Sylvia Fernández. In this class, I gained hands-on experience with powerful mapping and data visualization tools like StoryMapJS, Google My Maps, and Graph Commons. I also learned invaluable skills around data collection, documentation and preservation using metadata. Exploring the connections between transnational feminist perspectives and digital humanities approaches in this course has deeply shaped my own research interests and methodology.
3. What do you want to do after you graduate?
After completing my PhD, my goal is to obtain a tenure-track faculty position that will allow me to teach and conduct further research in these areas that I am so passionate about. In particular, I hope to use my work to highlight the resilience and digital activism of Iranian women, educating a wider audience about these vital issues. I believe staying in academia is where I can make the greatest contribution and have a lasting impact on future scholars.
4. What’s something that people would be surprised to know about you?
Many people are surprised when I share the significant culture shock and challenges I faced during my first days after immigrating to the United States as an international student two years ago. I was filled with fears that I would struggle in my adjustment and studies. However, I was met with incredible faculty support at UTSA that enabled me to unlock my potential and thrive, which highlights the significance of seeking help when needed.
5. What are some things that you wish you had known before you got into graduate school?
I think if I could go back, I would reassure my younger self about the diverse opportunities, fields and possibilities that graduate school opens up. It really prepares you to be an insightful scholar and multitasker. Contrary to my initial concerns, I have found that graduate school is not overwhelming at all, and with proper time management and support, it is possible to thrive academically and personally.
6. How do you envision HASTAC and higher education in 10 years? Where do you fit in?
I believe that in the next decade, we will witness a growing trend towards intersectionality across various fields of science. Research will increasingly involve collaboration among individuals from different majors. HASTAC, as a platform that advocates for diversity and inclusivity, will play a crucial role in hosting and supporting scholars from various backgrounds. As an Iranian woman researching at the intersection of transnational feminism and digital humanities, I see myself contributing to this diverse community of scholars by bringing unique perspectives and insights to the table.
7. How does digital scholarship fit into your research or teaching?
Digital scholarship is an integral part of my research on transnational feminism, digital activism, and Iranian women’s experiences. I utilize digital tools such as StoryMapJS and Graph Commons to visualize and document the data I collect. These tools assisted me to present complex information in an engaging way by simplifying complex data. I can confidently say that digital scholarship is an inseparable part of my research, and I am excited to explore new tools and methodologies as I progress in my academic journey.
8. What do you hope to accomplish with your research or teaching?
Through my research and teaching, I hope to introduce digital humanities to a broader audience and encourage my students to think critically while acquiring different perspectives. I am passionate about being a voice for marginalized people, particularly Iranian women, and I believe that my work can contribute to raising awareness about their struggles and resilience.
9. What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?
I am currently reading “The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment” by Eckhart Tolle. This book has been incredibly helpful in managing stress and maintaining a positive outlook during my graduate studies. It has taught me the importance of living in the present moment and finding inner peace amidst the challenges of academic life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who seeks personal growth and spiritual enlightenment.