Rachel Magee is an assistant professor in the School of Information Sciences. Some of her research focuses are teens, technology use and non-use, youth services, and the design of information systems that promote diversity, social justice, and information literacy. Her current research project, Community Research Cooperative: Methodologies for Research Justice connects U of I scholars with local organizations to advance community-engaged research and promote research justice.
In this interview, Rachel Magee discusses her research focused on teens, technology, literacy, and social justice. She shares her passion for amplifying youth voices and how her collaborative, participatory approach strengthens her work. Additionally, she reflects on the importance of connecting with youth-serving organizations and her excitement about her upcoming research.
What are your main research interests?
My main research focuses on youth, most often teens. I’m really interested in their experiences with technology and literacy, and take a collaborative, participatory approach to learning together with them.
How do you see your work connecting with others for collaboration?
I see connecting with youth and the organizations that serve them, often outside schools, as core to my approach. Teens are the experts on their experiences, and I think hearing from them in each aspect of the research process makes the work stronger, more likely to have impact, and better rooted in youth experiences and perspectives.
What is something you’re passionate about outside of work?
Spending time with my family, visiting national parks and making homemade pizza!
What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
From my wise dad: “if you don’t ask, you know the answer is no.”
What are you most excited about in your research this year?
I’m looking forward to collaborating with a new group of teens. That’s one of the best parts of my work.
What drives your interest in this area of research?
I’m driven by the idea that young people’s voices are often overlooked or not heard because of the way our society and culture are structured. I hope I can help amplify their perspectives for a wider audience – youth are thoughtful and aware and we should be listening to what they have to say.