Nikko Stevens

Nikko Stevens is a critical technology researcher, software practitioner, and open-source community leader. Their academic research demonstrates that data infrastructures—data models, databases, data structures—are key locations for both the propagation of social harms and the prevention of further damage. Using mixed methods, including reverse engineering and speculative design, Stevens excavates technical practices, linking them to aspects of contemporary structural oppression. They are currently working on two monographs about the role of software and data in social change.

Prior to becoming a professor, Stevens worked as technical architect and lead software developer. In industry, Stevens led the architecture of products for billion-dollar corporations like Coca-Cola, Sony, and Instagram, and their work has won numerous awards, including at SXSW, the premier conference for new media. In open source, Stevens’ work earned them recognition by Red Hat and The Linux Foundation. They were also awarded the Drupal community’s Aaron Winborn Award.

Stevens is a first-generation college graduate originally from Las Vegas, Nevada. Before coming to Smith, Stevens completed postdoctoral fellowships at Dartmouth College and MIT. Their work has been supported by Google, Mozilla, and The Linux Foundation.