Mar Hicks

Mar Hicks is an Associate Professor of Data Science at the School of Data Science, University of Virginia (UVA), where they explore the historical and societal dimensions of computing and technology. Previously, Hicks served as Associate Professor of History of Technology at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.

Education:

• Ph.D. in History, Duke University
• M.A. in History, Duke University
• B.A. in History, Harvard University

Hicks's research centers on the intersection of technology, labor, and gender, critically analyzing how ideals of progress are shaped by economic and social forces. Their work reveals how technologies often mask regressive values despite claims of disruption and innovation. With a focus on historical case studies, Hicks investigates systemic inequities in the tech industry, particularly the erasure of women in computing history.

Their publications, including the acclaimed Programmed Inequality and the co-edited volume Your Computer Is On Fire, reflect a deep engagement with the ethical and structural flaws in modern high-tech systems. These works span themes in digital ethics, labor history, gender dynamics, and infrastructure reform.

Scientific Awards:

• Multipe awards for Programmed Inequality (MIT Press, 2017)

Hicks has been a fellow at the National Humanities Center (2018–2019) and is currently working on a book about the dot-com boom and bust and its lasting impact on today's technology landscape. No formal advisees are listed in available materials. Hicks maintains an active scholarly presence through their personal website, Google Scholar, and ORCID profile.