5 Things to Think About
In our online Office Hours series, we’re asking faculty about their research, their approach to teaching and the ideas that intrigue them. Read the full Q&As at dickinson.edu/facultynews.
1. The ancient world isn’t past—it’s persistent.
From political ambition to cultural achievement, the patterns that shaped Greek and Roman civilizations continue to echo today, reminding us that human behavior doesn’t evolve as quickly as technology.
“When we study the ancient world, we study what has persisted, and what will persist, for better and for worse.” —Scott Farrington, classical studies
2. Empowerment doesn’t always announce itself.
Long before the word “feminism” was widely embraced, organizations like the Girl Scouts were quietly teaching generations of girls confidence, independence and resilience.
“The word ‘feminist’ was never uttered, but we were learning to tackle challenges, build skills and become competent and independent.” —Amy Farrell, American studies; women’s, gender & sexuality studies
3. The systems we build shape the people we become.
From open-source software to global networks, technology isn’t neutral. The way we design it influences access, equity and how we connect with one another.
“By combining hands-on projects with discussions of real-world implications, the curriculum prepares graduates not only as capable computer scientists but as responsible innovators ready to shape technology for the good of society.” —Farhan Siddiqui, computer science
4. We’re generating more data than ever—now what?
From financial markets to public health to sports performance, data is being produced at an unprecedented scale. The challenge isn’t access—it’s learning how to interpret that information in context and use it to make better decisions.
“Data science is often less about the numbers themselves and more about the stories they might tell.” —Lulu Wang, data analytics
5. Infrastructure isn’t just physical.
What we build (and maintain) says a lot about who we value. When systems fall apart, it’s not always about cost—it can reflect deeper societal choices about who benefits and who doesn’t.
“If we think of public infrastructure provision in the United States as a measure of what the state thinks of the population—really, what we as Americans think of ourselves and each other—it matters tremendously.” —Cotten Seiler, American studies
Read more from the spring 2026 issue of Dickinson Magazine.
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published June 9, 2026