Lisa Messeri

Lisa Messeri is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Yale University, affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Her research bridges anthropology, science and technology studies, and planetary science. She examines how scientists and technologists shape our understanding of place and cosmos through practices like planetary mapping and virtual reality development.

Research Focus: Dr. Messeri’s work analyzes the cultural and epistemological dimensions of space exploration (e.g., planetary scientists transforming Mars into a ‘world’) and emerging technologies like virtual reality. Her book Placing Outer Space explores how planetary science redefines humanity’s cosmic context. Current projects, supported by an NSF award, investigate VR’s cultural and industrial dynamics in Los Angeles.

Awards:

• NSF Scholars Award (funding VR ethnography research)

Advising & Grants: Leads NSF-funded studies on VR communities and collaborates across disciplines (media studies, environmental humanities). Teaches courses linking anthropology to tech ethics and digital culture.

Labs/Teams: Engages with LA’s tech-entertainment-industry nexus, planetary science networks, and interdisciplinary academic groups at Yale.