Lina Maria Giraldo
Associate Professor of Journalism, Emerson College
Interactive Media Artist · Data Visualization · Civic Design
Research & Teaching Interests
Academic & Teaching Experience
Assistant Professor
2020–PresentJournalism Department, Emerson College
Teach courses integrating data visualization, multimedia storytelling, and civic engagement. Design curricula that focus on data democratization, the humanization of data, and environmental equity. Mentor students on responsible and ethical design.
Affiliated Faculty
2017–2020Media Design, Civic Media and Arts, Emerson College
Delivered graduate courses on participatory methods in community storytelling. Developed interdisciplinary design studios emphasizing sustainability, data ethics, and responsible design.
Visiting Artist & Scholar
2022–2023Massachusetts College of Art
Advised on electronic projects for interactive installations at the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Journalist in Residence
2019–2020Emerson College
Focused on democratizing access to data through storytelling and interactive design.
Adjunct Faculty
2016Bunker Hill Community College
Developed foundational courses in media production and public storytelling.
Education
Master of Professional Studies, Interactive Telecommunications
2008–2010Tisch School of the Arts, New York University
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Studio for Interrelated Media
2003–2006Massachusetts College of Art, Boston, MA — Graduated with Honors
Service & Leadership
- Board of Trustees Member — Massachusetts College of Art 2024–Present
- Board of Trustees Member — Boston Cyberarts 2024–Present
Research & Creative Projects
Data Para Todes
2022–PresentInvestigating the accessibility of indoor air quality data through interactive, equity-focused visualizations and affordable sensor development.
ITS: Identity Technology and Storytelling
2016–2018Boston AIR (Boston Artists-in-Residence)
Created video cameras using affordable electronics and recycled materials to capture stories about cultural identity.
Golden Home Project
2018–2019Qualitative and quantitative research conducted through interviews with the Latine community, focusing on the affordability and accessibility of housing. Immigrant narratives were visualized using interactive storytelling tools and public installations.
Rain Installation
2022Google Cambridge Headquarters
Permanent 2D installation using computational tools and photography to emphasize narratives about climate change related to plastic consumption.
Art as a Way of Listening
2023Book Chapter, Published by Routledge
Explored the intersections of data ethics, storytelling, and intergenerational teaching from a computational design and multilingual perspective.
Exhibitions
Solo Exhibitions
- Data Para Todes — Boston Cyberarts 2022
- Golden Home — Public Art Installation, Egleston Square, MA 2018
- ITS: Identity Technology and Storytelling — Laconia Gallery, Boston, MA 2017
Group Exhibitions
- Together We Rise: Interactive Video Projections on Urban Justice — Strand Theatre Gallery, MA 2017
- Heartbeat: Sensor-based Climate Narratives — Boston Convention and Exhibition Center 2014
Awards & Grants
- The Paul and Edith Babson Foundation Grant 2022
- Emerson College Faculty Advancement Grant 2021
- Public Accelerator Program Recipient — Now and There 2018
- Boston Artist in Residency 2017
- Creative City Grant — New England Foundation for the Arts 2015
- St. Botolph Emerging Artist Award 2013
Public Speaking
- Teach on Race — Emerson College, Boston, MA 2025
- Panelist at MIT BARI Conference 2023
- Community Conversation: Data as Power — Massachusetts Cultural Council 2023
- Arts Equity Summit 2020–2022
- Unlocking the Hispanic Vote, Moderator — Emerson College Polling Center 2022
- Amplifying Community Voices — Pro-Arts, Socially Engaged Artistic Practice 2022