James Crissman

James Crissman is a current PhD student in Emerging Media Studies (EMS). His studies and research are motivated by a fascination with visual communication, artificial intelligence, policy and governance, and the democratization of information. Drawing from an interdisciplinary academic foundation in history, art, and philosophy, coupled with his professional ventures in both creative and legal realms, James is committed to exploring innovative solutions to the issues arising in our increasingly digital society.

James received his B.A., summa cum laude, in Interdisciplinary Studies from Emory University. His thesis explored the influence of photography on the perception and experience of National Parks in the U.S., illustrating how visual culture has shaped our understanding of natural landscapes. After graduation, he joined an international law firm as a Graphic Designer and Data Visualization Manager. This role allowed him to blend his artistic talents with analytical expertise, translating complex legal narratives into accessible visual formats.

James returned to academia in 2020-2021, and received his M.A. in EMS at Boston University. His Masters culminated in a thesis that examined the dynamics of news coverage and social media discussions surrounding victims of police violence in 2020, revealing the powerful role of social media activists in shaping public discourse and perception.

As a PhD student in EMS, James is currently focused on deepening his expertise in computational methods while exploring how advanced technologies can enhance our understanding of visual communication. His research interests and goals are informed by a strong belief in digital rights and driven by the transformative potential of open, equitable access to information. This includes exploring the potential of artificial intelligence technologies and how visual communications change the way that people access and understand complex information.