Michelle J. Cera

Hi! I am a PhD candidate and teacher in the Department of Sociology at New York University. I use she/her/hers pronouns.

My research interests lie broadly in the field of political sociology, with a specific focus on the intersection of digital ecosystems, far-right political movements, and political participation. My dissertation, titled "Fighting the Digital War: An investigation of the everyday political practices of QAnon’s digital soldiers'' examines the unique political engagement of QAnon adherents. Beyond my dissertation, my research addresses the institutional and cultural logics which contribute to the persistence of gender inequality in domestic space. I explore the mechanisms behind the reproduction of inequality as well as the consequences for parents.

My research also contributes to the conceptualization and ethics of digital ethnography. My work has drawn on digital ethnographic methods, I am the co-founder of the digital ethnography workshop at NYU, and my goal is to continue to advance the methodology.

Teaching is a fundamental part of my role at NYU. I am deeply committed to being an educator and improving pedagogical approaches.