Rebecca Lemov

Rebecca Lemov is a Professor of the History of Science at Harvard University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences, specializing in the intersection of science, technology, and society. Her research examines pivotal moments in the history of human and behavioral sciences, with a focus on mind control, archival practices, and data-driven epistemologies.

• PhD in Anthropology, UC Berkeley
• BA in English Literature, Yale University

Her recent work investigates brainwashing techniques from Cold War-era experiments to modern surveillance capitalism, analyzing how data and technology shape human cognition. She also explores the evolution of behavioral engineering and the ethical challenges of preserving endangered anthropological archives.

Her publications span topics like cybernetics, predictive policing, and the quantified self, reflecting a deep engagement with interdisciplinary methodologies. Lemov’s forthcoming 2025 book, The Instability of Truth, continues her exploration of coercive persuasion in digital contexts.

As Director of Undergraduate Studies, she mentors students in courses covering big data history, animal studies, human experiments, and technologies of mind control. She has held visiting scholar positions at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science in Berlin (2010–11, 2013–14), contributing to working groups on archival science and data historiography.