They/Them
RPI Degree Program: Science and Technology Studies, Ph.D.
Area of Research / Interest: Illicit Drugs, Drugs and Technology, History, Sociology of Scientific Knowledge, Social Theory, International Law and drug policy, Canadian History
Undergraduate Studies: Joint Honours Sociology and Anthropology, Simon Fraser University
Graduate Studies: MSc, University of Amsterdam Social Science (Research Methods)
Biography: Alex (they/them) is a PhD Candidate in the Science and Technology Studies Department, currently working on their dissertation of the history of scientific knowledge production on illicit drugs and their users and the ways that intersects with both national and international policy. They have a BA from SFU in Vancouver, and an MSc from the Uni of Amsterdam, where they conducted research on how non/experts come to create knowledge by testing peoples illicit drugs. Before coming to RPI, they worked as a qualitative researcher for the BCCSU in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, and collaborated with drug user activists in co-designing research projects. As well, Alex has had a long interest in international policy, having attended the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs for various youth/student groups over the years, and a passion for harm reduction. They like to (try to) garden, and love cycling. Their main research interest regards how we make knowledge in non-ideal circumstances, and how we might make another world possible.
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Email: betsoa@rpi.edu
Previous Recognition for Conference Papers
UN CND Side Event Speech (2023) on Young People who Use Drugs in Canada