Ashley Lee is a scholar of tech, politics, and social movements. Her research examines the implications of technology design and use for democracy and social equality, focusing on youth and marginalized communities. Her current book project examines technology, youth digital activism, and social movements in comparative perspective. In this work, she engages with issues of digital surveillance and other forms of repression across democratic and authoritarian countries.
Previously, she has worked on issues at the intersection of computer science, society, and policy at Microsoft Research, Stanford Research Institute (SRI), the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, and the UN. She has served as Director of Civic Tech with The Future Society and Director of Harvard Innovation & Ventures in Education. She received a BS in Computer Science from Stanford University where she researched cryptography and cybersecurity. She completed her doctorate in Culture, Communities, and Education at Harvard University as a Weatherhead Center for International Affairs Dissertation Fellow.
