J.J. Sylvia IV

J.J. Sylvia IV, Associate Professor of Communications Media at Fitchburg State University, specializes in posthuman media studies, digital ethics, and critical data analysis. Co-founder of Fitchburg State's Digital Media Innovation major and Social Media Master's program, he combines philosophical inquiry with technological experimentation through open educational resources, virtual reality, and generative AI applications.

• PhD in Communication, Rhetoric, and Digital Media (NCSU 2017)
• MA in Philosophy (USM 2009)
• BA in Communication & Philosophy (MSU 2005)

His research explores:

• Platform epistemology and LiveJournal's role in Russian disinformation campaigns
• Posthuman approaches to media studies
• VR applications for racial microaggression empathy training
• Generative AI pedagogy
• Ethics of data-driven communication

Recent publications examine algorithmic governance, epistemic sabotage, and posthuman ethics in media studies. His teaching philosophy emphasizes:

• Student-centered critical making
• Experiential learning through Greece fieldwork
• Hands-on technology engagement
• Democratic communication practices

Major awards include:

• 2025 Massachusetts OER Gold Award
• 2025 OER & AI Fellowship
• 2022 ROTEL Grant for OER textbooks
• 2019 ECA Top Paper Award

Current projects involve:

• Anti-fascist platform design research
• Epistemic resilience against disinformation
• International collaborations through the Alternative Social Media Researchers Network