abstract

A born and bred midwesterner from Cincinnati, I came to New York City in order to pursue graduate level study in sociology at Columbia University. My undergraduate training was in social and decision sciences and statistics at Carnegie Mellon University where I worked with Robert E. Kraut and Jonathon Cummings on research concerning technology and social relationships. After graduating from CMU, I held a position as a programmer/analyst at Ford Motor Company where I helped to specify, design, develop, test, and deploy a large systems integration project.

I expect to complete my Ph.D. degree requirements during the 2007-2008 academic year after which I will be looking for research positions in both academia and industry.

research

I currently work with Duncan J. Watts on theoretical models of collective problem solving and organizational networks. My work explores the fit between problem solving strategy and social structure. To put it simply, I am trying to answer the question, “How do different combinations of group structure and problem solving strategy perform for different kinds of problems?”

I am also doing work with Francesca Polletta on public deliberations surrounding the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. Broadly, we are examining the role of deliberative style in the in- or exclusion of individuals in political discourse.

At a very abstract level, one could say that I am looking for a way in which sociology can inform information science. How do social institutions or processes shape the information we generate, and what are the consequences for later retrieval and consumption? Answering these questions entails topics in, among other areas, sociology, psychology, economics, computer science, and organizational science.

appendix

I also devote time to long-distance running. Although I have raced and continue to race a variety of distances between 4mi and half-marathon (13.1mi), my real love is the 10k, a race that combines the aggressiveness of shorter races with the patience required of longer races.

Since the fall of 2003, I have been a member of The New York Flyers running club. On Monday nights, I co-lead the Flyers group run which departs at 7:00PM from Engineer's Gate in Central Park. I also co-lead the new Flyer runs, easy 4mi tours of Central Park where new and prospective members can find out more about the club. At times, I may also be found astride a bicycle making my way to Nyack and back, or reprising loops of the main drive in Central Park.

In addition to long distance running, I've also been sporadically interested in vintage fountain pens, photography, and painting. Like any good geek, I also indulge in my fair share of recreational programming, though my reach in this area often exceeds my grasp (or time).

John B. Lee jbl2007 (at) columbia (dot) edu Ph.D. Student Collective Dynamics Group Department of Sociology and ISERP Columbia University curriculum vitae	abstract A born and bred midwesterner from Cincinnati, I came to New York City in order to pursue graduate level study in sociology at Columbia University. My undergraduate training was in social and decision sciences and statistics at Carnegie Mellon University where I worked with Robert E. Kraut and Jonathon Cummings on research concerning technology and social relationships. After graduating from CMU, I held a position as a programmer/analyst at Ford Motor Company where I helped to specify, design, develop, test, and deploy a large systems integration project. I expect to complete my Ph.D. degree requirements during the 2007-2008 academic year after which I will be looking for research positions in both academia and industry. research I currently work with Duncan J. Watts on theoretical models of collective problem solving and organizational networks. My work explores the fit between problem solving strategy and social structure. To put it simply, I am trying to answer the question, “How do different combinations of group structure and problem solving strategy perform for different kinds of problems?” I am also doing work with Francesca Polletta on public deliberations surrounding the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. Broadly, we are examining the role of deliberative style in the in- or exclusion of individuals in political discourse. At a very abstract level, one could say that I am looking for a way in which sociology can inform information science. How do social institutions or processes shape the information we generate, and what are the consequences for later retrieval and consumption? Answering these questions entails topics in, among other areas, sociology, psychology, economics, computer science, and organizational science. appendix I also devote time to long-distance running. Although I have raced and continue to race a variety of distances between 4mi and half-marathon (13.1mi), my real love is the 10k, a race that combines the aggressiveness of shorter races with the patience required of longer races. Since the fall of 2003, I have been a member of The New York Flyers running club. On Monday nights, I co-lead the Flyers group run which departs at 7:00PM from Engineer's Gate in Central Park. I also co-lead the new Flyer runs, easy 4mi tours of Central Park where new and prospective members can find out more about the club. At times, I may also be found astride a bicycle making my way to Nyack and back, or reprising loops of the main drive in Central Park. In addition to long distance running, I've also been sporadically interested in vintage fountain pens, photography, and painting. Like any good geek, I also indulge in my fair share of recreational programming, though my reach in this area often exceeds my grasp (or time).
Last updated: 06 February 2006