Michael Scroggins

Michael Scroggins is a Lecturer at the University of California, Los Angeles, focusing on interdisciplinary research spanning Science and Technology Studies, ethnography, and data science. His work critically examines the social dimensions of scientific innovation, labor dynamics in academia, and the ethical implications of DIY biology and citizen science initiatives.

• Research Highlights:
• Explores regulatory challenges in amateur science through case studies like DIY bio labs
• Analyzes competitive reward systems in innovation through prize mechanisms
• Investigates hidden labor in data-intensive research environments
• Documents historical transitions in astronomical software infrastructure
• Key Themes: Ethics of innovation, sociotechnical systems, participatory science, and knowledge production frameworks

Scroggins' recent work (2019-2023) emphasizes the intersection of technology, labor practices, and societal impact, particularly in under-documented areas of scientific work. His ethnographic approaches highlight the human dimensions of data-driven science and the cultural contexts shaping scientific practices.