About
Imani Cooper Mkandawire is a writer, artist, and technologist. In the Department of Comparative Literature Imani examines the mathematical and scientific thought expressed in local African langauges. Her research intends to construct interdisciplinary approaches to engineering AI, for social justice-oriented algorithmic and data driven technologies. Born in New York City to Gullah Geechee parents, Imani’s art work investigates the history, cultural practices, scientific, linguistic, and mathematical systems of the Gullah peoples. She is a Phd Candidate in the Department of Comparative Literature and the Digital Studies Institute.
As a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI), Imani teaches a first-year college writing course Digitial Literacies: An introduction to multimodal writing
and is a periodic grader for the course Data Science Ethics taught in the School of Information.
Interests: Foundations of Western mathematics, Intergrative Science, Social Practice Art, African and African American Digital Cultures
Research Languages: English, French, Portuguese, Gullah Geechee Creole
Mentor: Frieda Ekotto
Website: imanicoopermkandawire.com