The personal essay is an ever morphing vehicle that has been used to explore the self, and through that self, the world. This form is durable enough to be about joy, about loss, about our parents, our addictions, and our loves. This writing workshop and conversation will explore the mechanics of what makes for a great personal essay by exploring a variety of different ways of representing the self and finding pathways into essay writing.

In the midst of a widening polycrisis of climate chaos, geopolitical instability and technological accelerationfulness, information systems has never been more central to sustainability. This year also marks the 15th anniversary of AIS SIGGreen, and Dr. Roya Gholami will reflect upon the evolution of Green IS scholarship as an important field that is at an inflection point in terms of its future.

In recent years, the US has experienced a rise in politically motivated violence targeted at politicians at all levels of government as well as poll workers, political activists, and even members of the public. The purpose of this event is to explore the causes and consequence of modern political violence in American politics. We will hear from two political scientists with expertise in public opinion and political psychology as we delve into the following questions. How is political violence different from other forms of violence and what are its causes?

Data centers serve as the backbone of modern digital services, enabling everything from cloud computing and online transactions to streaming platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. Data center designs incorporate advanced cooling systems, backup power, and in-house cybersecurity measures to ensure efficiency, reliability, and security. As data centers continue to grow in scale and complexity, their energy use and environmental footprint are also expanding.

Chicago-based artist Aram Han Sifuentes works across fiber, social practice, and collaborative, community-based projects to explore themes of labor, migration, and belonging. Her projects center collective making, often through sewing, as a way to build community and create space for participation, especially for those whose voices are often excluded or who may be at risk. In this artist lecture, Sifuentes will share images and discuss her practice, with a focus on her Protest Banner Lending Library.