Maile Speakman
About Maile Speakman
Maile Speakman is a Teaching Fellow and PhD Candidate in American Studies at Yale University, focusing on the intersection of technology, race, and urban development in Havana. Her research includes ethnographic studies and presentations at prestigious institutions, alongside a diverse background in education and translation.
Current Role at Yale University
Maile Speakman has been serving as a Teaching Fellow at Yale University since 2016. In this role, she engages with students and contributes to the academic environment. Additionally, she is a PhD Candidate in American Studies at Yale, where she has been pursuing her doctoral studies since 2016. Speakman's research focuses on the intersections of race, technology, and urban development, particularly in the context of Havana.
Education and Academic Background
Maile Speakman holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in American Studies from Yale University, which she completed in 2022. Prior to this, she earned a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Latin American Studies from Tulane University, where she also served as a Graduate Student in the same field. Speakman completed her undergraduate studies at Lewis and Clark College, achieving a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Sociology/Anthropology and a minor in Ethnic Studies. She also studied at the Instituto Superior De Arte in Havana, focusing on Spanish, Art History, and Sociology.
Research Focus and Dissertation
Maile Speakman's dissertation, titled 'Coding the City: Race, Affect, and Techno-Capitalism in Contemporary Havana,' investigates the influence of U.S. technology platforms on Havana's social and economic landscapes. Her research examines themes of gentrification, platform tourism, and racial exclusion within the city. Speakman has conducted extensive ethnographic research, engaging with various stakeholders, including U.S. venture capitalists and local entrepreneurs.
Professional Experience in Academia and Publishing
Maile Speakman has held various positions in academia and publishing. She worked as an Editorial Assistant for Social Text at Duke University Press from 2017 to 2018, where she organized a symposium on dispossession. Additionally, she served as Conference Chair at Tulane University and has experience as an ESL Tutor and Afterschool Teacher. Speakman also briefly worked as a Spanish Translator and Archivist at Yale University in 2016.
Conference Participation and Presentations
Maile Speakman has presented her research at several prestigious institutions, including Vrije University in Amsterdam and Harvard University. She has participated in various annual association meetings, contributing to discussions on her research themes, which include the impact of U.S. technology on Cuba and the dynamics of urban development in Havana.