Alexandra A. Rodriguez

About

Alexandra A. Rodriguez is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in Information Science at Cornell University, working with the Citizens and Technology Lab to examine the real-world impact of technology on vulnerable groups, with a focus on digital safety, mental health, and equity. Her research examines how computing systems understand and respond to interpersonal harm, drawing on critical AI studies, sexuality studies, and social computing. In her spare time, she loves to figure skate, sing, color, and learn about animals.

Education

Research and professional experience

Research Assistant Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

She investigates the ethical implications of technology for vulnerable groups, including effects on user privacy, freedom of expression, and public policy. Broadly, her work examines how platforms balance protecting user interests and preventing harm.

Information Security Analyst Stockton University, Galloway, NJ

She aligned institutional security policies with NIST 800-171 requirements, developed a security framework using ISO 27001 and NIST 800-53 controls, and created business continuity documentation to prioritize system recovery during incidents. She also coordinated cybersecurity awareness campaigns for students, faculty, and staff.

Program Assistant Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Atlantic City, NJ

She managed classrooms during instructional sessions, developed lesson plans for learning activities, and supported daily operations in meeting the requirements for a licensed child care afterschool facility.

Research Assistant Stockton University, Galloway, NJ

She researched the security of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, identified key themes in the literature, and presented findings to her supervisor through scheduled review meetings.

Technical Assistant Stockton University, Galloway, NJ

She created interactive PowerPoint tutorials and contributed interface design suggestions for a Holocaust exhibit at The Sara & Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center.

Research methods and skills

Her qualitative and human-centered research skills include thematic coding, interview design, stakeholder engagement, ethnography, participatory design, and cross-cultural research. Her computational work includes machine learning classification and statistical model evaluation using Python, R, and JMP. She also works with LimeSurvey, LaTeX / Overleaf, and GitHub. She has A1-level proficiency in both Modern Greek and Spanish.

Fellowships and awards

Grants and funding

Service and affiliations