technology

Benjamin Peters (born 1980) is an American media scholar, author, and professor known for his work on the history of communication technologies, information theory, and the social dimensions of digital networks. He serves as the Hazel Rogers Professor of Communication at the University of Tulsa and has held affiliations with several prominent research institutions. Peters is best known for his book How Not to Network a Nation: The Uneasy History of the Soviet Internet (2016), which explores the failed attempts to build a nationwide computer network in the Soviet Union and examines how social and political systems shape technological development. The work received widespread acclaim for its interdisciplinary approach, bridging media studies, history, and science and technology studies. He has also edited Digital Keywords: A Vocabulary of Information Society and Culture (2016), contributing to critical discourse around the language and concepts underpinning the digital age. Peters’s scholarship carries resonance for those interested in the intersection of technology, human potential, and collective aspiration. By investigating how societies envision and fail to realize transformative technological projects, his work illuminates the deeply human—and often ideological—dimensions of networked communication. His research reminds us that the tools we build to connect and elevate humanity are always embedded in moral, political, and even spiritual frameworks. For communities exploring themes of theosis and the cooperative pursuit of transcendence through technology, Peters’s insights into the promises and pitfalls of networked societies offer valuable perspective on how human aspiration and systemic constraints interact in the ongoing project of building a better world.

Bernardo Vicente is an economist and researcher deeply interested in the intersection of economics, technology, and culture. He holds a degree in business administration and accounting from Lisbon Polytechnic Institute, along with a specialization in business analytics. Driven by a desire to leverage technology for societal betterment, he has developed an innovative economic theory known as “Harberger Georgism.” Harberger Georgism builds upon the principles of Georgism and Harberger taxation, exploring how Web3 technologies can sustainably develop the digital era and enhance the physical world. This theory aims to potentiate development in the physical world using economic strategies. Currently, Bernardo volunteers as a researcher at the Ethereum Foundation, contributing his expertise to the advancement of blockchain technology. His work explores the teleology and utility of emerging technologies like NFTs and the metaverse, aiming to ensure their positive impact on society.

Cynthia Bailey is a lecturer in computer science at Stanford University. A dedicated educator, her research focuses on best practices in computer science education, with a particular emphasis on promoting inclusiveness in the tech industry. She is known for her thoughtful and well-researched contributions to discussions surrounding women in technology and the queer community. Beyond her work in computer science, Cynthia Bailey has been actively engaged in exploring the intersection of Mormonism and modern life. For a time she blogged about Mormon life on By Common Consent , providing insights and perspectives on faith in a contemporary context. Her presentation at the Sunstone West 2016 highlighted her interest in bringing together her professional expertise and her engagement with Mormon themes, specifically addressing the underrepresentation of women in technology within the Mormon community and exploring the potential of gospel principles in empowering girls’ coding initiatives. Cynthia resides in Palo Alto. She is esteemed for her quiet dedication to life-altering ideas, community building, and insightful contributions to discussions related to technology, social issues, and faith.

Jake Spurlock is a software engineer with a passion for the intersection of technology and culture. He previously worked at Wired Tech, where he oversaw digital publishing, content management, and web performance. Prior to his role at Wired, Jake led web development at Maker Media, managing the digital presence of Make Magazine and Maker Faire . He is a graduate of Utah Valley University, where he earned a degree in digital media. Originally from Utah, Jake now resides in the Bay Area with his wife and three children. He presented on “Mormons and Tech” at the Sunstone West 2016 conference, exploring the potential impact of emerging technologies—such as augmented reality devices like Microsoft’s HoloLens—on modern living and Mormon culture. Jake was encouraged to speak at the event by Lindsay, who also works with Sunstone. He originally presented at the Sunstone Symposium in Salt Lake.

Jessica Finnigan is a scholar and project consultant operating at the intersection of social systems, technological innovation, and organizational health. Originally recognized for her academic work at the University of Cambridge and King’s College London, Jessica’s research explored how religious frameworks and technological access impact human progress in the developing world. Today, she translates those high-level insights into high-impact results as a Fractional Project Manager and the founder of Project Startup LLC. Jessica’s research highlights the critical, yet often overlooked, role of technology in alleviating suffering and fostering sustainable development in the developing world. Drawing upon her experience working with international databases focused on women’s issues, she emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive and nuanced approaches to technological implementation, advocating for solutions that acknowledge the complexities and tensions inherent in diverse cultural contexts. Jessica bridges the gap between technological innovation and the realities of the developing world, seeking to understand and address the “Great Divide” between technological access and implementation in developed and developing nations. Her work emphasizes the importance of considering sustainable food security and other fundamental needs when introducing technology into communities facing significant challenges.