Investigating a scholarly figure enhancing Case Western Reserve University's curriculum through evaluation
Hannah Regan, the Associate Director for Research and Evaluation and the Interim Executive Director at the Flora Stone Mather Center for Women, is making waves in the academic world with her groundbreaking research on gender, sexuality, media, and technology.
Regan's area of focus primarily revolves around the intersections of gender, sexuality, media, and technology studies. Her work delves into how digital spaces shape understandings of sexuality and gender, and how technology integrates with gender studies in educational settings.
One of her notable research directions involves exploring how digital environments act as crucial spaces for young people, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ communities, to navigate sexual literacy and identity. These spaces offer more than just information; they provide community, validation, and opportunities for critical reflection and peer learning, often serving as vital resources beyond traditional education.
Regan's research ties into broader media studies frameworks that view media as technologies of gender—tools that both construct and maintain cultural identities related to gender and sexuality. This perspective aligns with feminist scholarship asserting that media platforms are central to how gendered identities are produced in society.
In the realm of academia, Regan's work revolves around the assessment of gender studies programs and technology integration in higher education. She also studies the role of digital archives and media in understanding gender and sexuality historically and contemporarily. Furthermore, she investigates the online social and educational environments that influence young adults' gender and sexual identity formation.
In her role at the Flora Stone Mather Center for Women, Regan guides programs to ensure they keep up with evolving student needs and experiences. She supervises student-led research projects and leads internal program assessment and external research initiatives.
Regan's forthcoming book, Dating Apps, Modern Romance and Social Inequality, delves into how technology has impacted romantic partnerships. In the classroom, her goal is to equip students to critically analyse the world around them, particularly as technology changes how people learn about and express gender and sexuality.
Regan's belief in the importance of evaluative research sets her apart from traditional academic research. By allowing for the measurement of program success and quick implementation of changes, her research approach ensures that programs remain relevant and effective in meeting the needs of students.
Regan's work at the Flora Stone Mather Center for Women also includes leading external research initiatives, managing grant programs, and serving as acting editor-in-chief of the Journal for Women and Gender Centers in Higher Education.
In addition to her research, Regan evaluates program effectiveness, produces annual impact reports, and supports assessment across the Division of Student Affairs. Her ability to make adjustments to programs in near real-time based on student feedback is a testament to her commitment to ensuring the best possible learning experiences for students.
In summary, Hannah Regan's research focus is on evaluative methods, gender and sexuality norms, and the interplay between media/technology and identity. Her work is deeply engaged with how digital and technological contexts influence gender and sexuality, supporting both scholarly evaluation and practical program development in academia.
- Hannah Regan's forthcoming book, "Dating Apps, Modern Romance and Social Inequality," delves into how technology affects various aspects of lifestyle, including romantic relationships.
- In education-and-self-development settings, Regan's research investigates how digital spaces and technology integration can enhance sexual literacy and identity exploration, going beyond traditional educational resources.
