Karen Nakamura Joins BCNM's Executive Committee

We're excited to welcome Karen Nakamura, Professor of Sociocultural Anthropology, to the Berkeley Center for New Media's Executive Committee!

Karen is a cultural and visual anthropologist whose research delves into the intersections of disability, gender, and technology in both Japan and the United States. With a focus on disability studies, Karen's scholarship has ranged from exploring sign language, identity, and deaf social movements in her first project to examining schizophrenia and community-based recovery in Japan. Her work has been featured in a monograph, edited volumes, and ethnographic films, contributing significantly to the field of disability studies.

Currently, Karen leads the UC Berkeley Disability Lab and the Othering and Belonging Institute's Disability Studies research cluster. She is preparing to explore the role of prosthetics, augmentation technologies, and artificial intelligence in disability and access. Through her teaching and research, Karen continues to push the boundaries of how disability is understood and addressed in social and technological contexts.

We’re thrilled to have her vision and expertise guiding BCNM’s interdisciplinary initiatives!