BIO
Alexis-Carlota Cochrane (she/they) is a PhD Candidate (ABD) and Sessional Instructor in the Department of Communication Studies and Media Arts at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.
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Updated: 04/01/2025 on
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04/01/2025: JOINING THE DISCO NETWORK
I am thrilled to have been selected for the DISCO Network’s Affiliate Program, in the cohort led by Lisa Nakamura!
The DISCO Network, housed within the Digital Studies Institute at the University of Michigan, is a consortium of investigators working to envision a new anti-racist and anti-ableist digital future. The DISCO Network Affiliate Program is designed to bring together a diverse, interdisciplinary cohort of researchers, educators, artists, technologists, policymakers, practitioners, and students whose work explores a pressing issue at the intersection of technology and social justice. This year, our cohort will be exploring how marginalized communities navigate the balance between embracing and rejecting emerging technologies.
I’m honoured to join such a great group of folks: https://www.disconetwork.org/affiliates
03/25/2025: ANNOUNCING THE CHALLENGING GENDERED DIGITAL HARM RESEARCH REPORT
I had the incredible opportunity to co-author the The Canadian Women's Foundation’s Challenging Gendered Digital Harm Research Report with Rachel Mansell. This research explores how women and gender-diverse people—especially those from underserved communities—experience digital harm.
Here’s what we found:
Digital harm is widespread: 61% of women and gender-diverse people in Canada have experienced it, with marginalized groups facing the highest risks.
The emotional toll is severe: Nearly half of survivors report serious mental health impacts, and many are forced to self-censor or leave platforms entirely.
Gender equality organizations are under attack: 88% face digital threats, yet most lack resources to address them.
I am so proud of this work and how it can support addressing gendered digital hate in the Canadian context. Thank you to Rachel for thinking of me to support this project and to the Canadian Women's Foundation for seeing the importance of researching TFGBV on a national scale.
You can read the full report here: https://canadianwomen.org/challenging-gendered-digital-harm-report/
You can take the e-learning course informed by the report here: https://canadianwomen.org/help-end-gender-based-digital-harm/
03/21/2025: KING CHARLES III’S CORONATION MEDAL
I am incredibly privileged to have been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal by the The Canadian Women's Foundation for my work on technology-facilitated gender-based violence and gender justice. This rare distinction, granted only once per monarch’s reign, recognizes individuals who have made a profound impact on Canada—whether nationally, regionally, or globally—or whose achievements abroad bring credit to the country. This award reinforces the critical importance of continuing to research and combat technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Thank you to the Canadian Women’s Foundation!
Read more: https://canadianwomen.org/blog/coronation-medal-winners-announced/
03/18/2025: ATTENDING THE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
It was an immense honour to attend the 69th Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, where I had the opportunity to share my doctoral research at McMaster University on a global stage. I was fortunate to engage in critical dialogues at the intersection of gender, technology, and cyberviolence, gaining insights from policymakers, ambassadors, civil society organizations, and lived-experience experts.
It was invigorating to discuss technology-facilitated gender-based violence in this space. However, we have more work to do. As I emphasized in my remarks, TFGBV doesn’t just affect women and girls—individuals are targeted based on their gender identity, gender expression, or perceived gender. As technologies continue to innovate and adapt, as will the growing ways technology is weaponized for harm, disproportionately impacting Black, Indigenous, and Women of Colour, 2SLGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, religious minorities, sex workers, and other marginalized groups.
While addressing the online abuse of women in the public eye (like journalists and politicians) is an important step, we must also ask: How are digital harms exacerbated for individuals in marginalized communities and those with intersectionally marginalized identites? A truly effective response must also center trans, non-binary, two-spirit, and gender-diverse voices to develop informed, adaptable, and survivor-driven solutions.
Grateful to the United Nations Association in Canada for having me as part of their delegation and for the opportunity to contribute to these urgent conversations.