Janis Wong

PhD researcher

University of St Andrews

Hello!

I am an interdisciplinary PhD researcher in Computer Science at the Centre for Research into Information, Surveillance and Privacy (CRISP), University of St Andrews. My supervisors are Dr. Tristan Henderson and Professor Kirstie Ball. I am interested in the legal and technological applications in data protection, privacy, and data ethics, where my current research aims to create a socio-technical data commons framework that helps data subjects protect their personal data under existing data protection, privacy, and information regulations. My PhD is generously funded by the University of St Andrews St Leonard's Interdisciplinary Scholarship.

I am also a Research Fellow at the Open Data Institute, focusing on data protection and governance in online teaching, learning analytics, and educational technology. Currently, I am participating in the “Digital Ethics in Times of Crisis: Covid-19 and Access to Education and Learning Spaces” Research Sprint hosted by the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University in collaboration with the Global Network of Internet & Society Centers.

I am an active speaker and enjoy communicating data protection and privacy-related topics to both academic and non-academic audiences. If you or your organisation may be interested in hosting an event on the topics below, please get in touch!

Interests

Data Protection
Privacy
Data Ethics
Law
Research Ethics
Civil Disobedience
Online Learning and Education

Education

PhD in Computer Science, 2018 - Present
University of St Andrews
MSc in Computing and Information Technology, 2018
University of St Andrews
LLB in Law, 2017
London School of Economics and Political Science

Experience

Research Participant

Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, Harvard University

Oct 2020 – Present Massachusetts, USA

Research Sprint on Digital Ethics in Times of Crisis: Covid-19 and Access to Education and Learning Spaces.

Research Fellow

Open Data Institute

Oct 2020 – Present London, UK

Research on data protection, privacy, and governance as it relates to online teaching, learning analytics, and educational technology.

Data Protection Advisor

Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council

Sep 2019 – Present St Andrews, UK

Appointed to support the RBStACC on matters involving data protection, personal data, and digital technologies.

St Leonard's Associate Researcher

University of St Andrews

Nov 2018 – Mar 2019 St Andrews, UK

Appointed to teach data ethics as part of Theory of Knowledge in the International Baccalaureate curriculum.

Scottish Parliament Committee and Young Women Lead

Scottish Parliament and YWCA

Oct 2018 – Jun 2019 Edinburgh, UK

Established a report on a parliamentary committee to discuss barriers for engagement in sports and physical activity for young women. My role focused on best practices, particularly on the impact and ethics of social media.

Partnerships Director

Robogals EMEA

Sep 2018 – Present UK

Support 11 Robogals Chapters in running workshops and creating long-term partnerships with external organisations to increase girls’ participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Project Facilitator and Head of Social Media

Generation Brexit, LSE European Institute

Jul 2017 – Jan 2019 London, UK

Worked with Presidents, Research Officers, and Editors to shape social media strategies and event releases. Devised tailored approaches for Facilitators, support their public content, and grow the online community.