As graduating student Luna Quail was wrapping up her time in the Arts & Science program she headed to Calgary to present at the Mediating the Moment: A(n Interdisciplinary) Conversation conference hosted by the University of Calgary. With an overarching theme of interdisciplinarity, the conference brought together researchers from a range of communications related disciplines.
Luna presented her work focused on the commodified human experience attached to Dating Applications (apps) – work that she began in the Technology and Society II (ARTSSCI 3BB3) course taught by Dr. Goutor in the Fall 2024 term. “I examined how the human experience of relationships and forming connections with others has been cultivated by Dating Apps to create a system of self-commoditization,” says Luna. “I used the Foucauldian model of Biopolitics to explain this phenomenon, along with exploring the human experience within the neoliberal system that prioritizes monetary accumulation over all else.”
Luna was one of only two undergraduate students presenting at this conference, as it focuses on connecting Master’s and PhD students working on theses and dissertations. Although this unique chance to share some of her undergrad work was exciting, it was also a bit nerve-wracking. “I had to navigate feeling as if I was not as experienced, or my research was not as in depth as others at the conference,” says Luna. “Eventually I had to realize that maybe yes, my research was not as detailed or expansive as those who were presenting their PhD research, but that is to be expected and that I could not compare myself to those at a vastly different stage in their academic journey.”
The conference was an invaluable experience for Luna: a chance to present in front of other academics in the fields of communication, journalism, media and film, have constructive conversations, and learn about the fascinating work that others are doing. “I am incredibly grateful I had this opportunity to share my research with others, and I learned so much in doing so.”
Congratulations, Luna!
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