WGSS@SBU is thrilled to welcome Dr. Jenean McGee to our department. Dr. McGee joined Stony Brook University this fall as Assistant Professor of Digital Black Feminisms. She is currently conducting research on how African American women build communities online and teaching a graduate seminar on Black feminist and womanist theory.

Dr. McGee holds a PhD in Ethnic Studies from the University of Colorado Boulder, an MA in American Studies from the University of Massachusetts Boston, and a BA in English from Southern Oregon University. Her research focuses on social media and surveillance capitalism and draws upon her expertise in African American studies, Black studies, and digital studies. In her current project, Dr. McGee explores the benefits and dangers of African American women building online communities via social networking sites owned by major corporations (like Google and Facebook). Next semester, she’ll be teaching two undergraduate WST courses: an introductory feminist theory class and a special topics course on digital Black feminisms.

WGSS Undergrad Ambassador Imani Chung sat down with Dr. McGee to find out more about our newest faculty member.

Tell us some of the things you want your students to take away from your classes.
I would like students to find confidence in themselves and their ability to think critically and analyze the world around them.

What’s your favorite class that you took as an undergrad?
Great, yet tricky question; it would have to be between two literature courses, one on the Harlem Renaissance and another course that focused on POC and indigenous writers.

Early bird or night owl?
Early bird

Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
Yes, it is a Toni Morrison quote, “If there is a book you want to read and it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”

What are you currently listening to?
I have been listening to a lot of podcasts lately, but the music I have been enjoying is Janelle Monáe, Caamp, Beyoncé, and Doja Cat

Video meetings or in-person meetings?
I enjoy both. But I do prefer in-person meetings. They are more personal.

Any advice for graduating WGSS majors / minors?
Take your time figuring out what you want to do in life; it is a marathon, not a sprint.