Rate Professor Erica Robles-Anderson

Professional Summary: Professor Erica Robles-Anderson

Professor Erica Robles-Anderson is a distinguished scholar and cultural historian at New York University (NYU), where she serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication. With a focus on the intersection of technology, media, and society, her work explores how cultural practices and technological innovations shape human experience. Below is a comprehensive overview of her academic background, career, research, and contributions to her field.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Robles-Anderson holds advanced degrees that reflect her interdisciplinary expertise in cultural history and communication:

• Ph.D. in Communication, Stanford University
• M.A. in Communication, Stanford University
• B.A. in Cultural Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Erica Robles-Anderson’s research centers on the cultural and historical dimensions of media and technology. Her key areas of interest include:

• Media architecture and the built environment
• History of technology and computing
• Cultural practices surrounding digital and analog media
• Religious and spiritual dimensions of technological innovation

Her work often examines how spaces—both physical and virtual—are shaped by and shape human interaction with technology, offering unique insights into the social implications of design and infrastructure.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Robles-Anderson has built a robust academic career with significant appointments at leading institutions:

• Associate Professor, Department of Media, Culture, and Communication, New York University (current)
• Assistant Professor, Department of Media, Culture, and Communication, New York University (prior to promotion)
• Research Fellow, various interdisciplinary programs focusing on media and technology

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Her innovative contributions to media studies and cultural history have been recognized through prestigious awards and fellowships, including:

• National Science Foundation (NSF) Grant for research on media environments
• Fellowship at the Stanford Humanities Center during her doctoral studies

Key Publications

Professor Robles-Anderson has authored influential works that contribute to the fields of media studies and cultural history. Notable publications include:

• 'The Crystal Cathedral: Architecture for Mediated Congregation' (2012) – A seminal article exploring the intersection of architecture, media, and religious experience.
• Co-authored works on the history of computing and media technologies in various peer-reviewed journals.
• Contributions to edited volumes on the cultural impact of digital infrastructure.

She is also working on a forthcoming book that examines the historical and cultural significance of media architectures, further establishing her as a thought leader in this niche area.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Erica Robles-Anderson’s scholarship has had a profound impact on media studies, particularly in how scholars understand the relationship between technology and cultural practice. Her research on media architecture has introduced new frameworks for analyzing how physical spaces mediate social and technological interactions. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges anthropology, history, and communication, inspiring both students and peers to consider the broader societal implications of technological design. Her work is frequently cited in studies of digital culture, urban studies, and the history of technology.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Robles-Anderson is an active participant in the academic community, contributing through public engagement and leadership roles:

• Delivered keynote addresses and invited talks at international conferences on media history and technology.
• Serves on editorial boards and peer-review committees for leading journals in media and communication studies.
• Organizes and participates in panels and workshops at NYU and beyond, fostering dialogue on the cultural dimensions of technology.

Through her teaching, mentorship, and public scholarship, Professor Robles-Anderson continues to shape the next generation of thinkers in media and cultural studies at New York University.