In this episode, Nehar is joined by Professor Ulrike Gerhard, an expert in Urban Geography at the University of Heidelberg and the Heidelberg Center for American Studies. Ulrike’s work dives deep into the complexities of cities, exploring themes of spatial justice, urban inequalities, and the lived realities of diverse communities.

From her research on gentrification and displacement in U.S. cities like Washington, D.C. and Chicago, to her analysis of immigration, housing, and homelessness in German cities such as Heidelberg and Berlin, Ulrike unpacks how overlapping social identities—race, class, gender, and migration status—shape urban life. She reveals how intersectionality is not just a theoretical lens but a reality that emerges in every street, neighborhood, and policy decision.

The conversation highlights the tensions between urban development and displacement, the role of stereotypes and media in shaping public discourse, and the importance of listening to marginalized voices. Ulrike also shares personal reflections on engaging with communities, her teaching experiences, and why we are all urban geographers in our daily lives.

This is a rich and thought-provoking episode for anyone interested in intersectionality, urban justice, and how our cities both reflect and reproduce inequalities.

Show notes and Timestamp:

[00:02:00] Why Urban Geography? Ulrike’s early fascination with cities and how they reveal power relations, diversity, and inequalities.

[00:03:30] Intersectionality in Action: How racial, ethnic, and social identities overlap in U.S. cities like Chicago and Washington, D.C.

[00:06:00] Double Vulnerabilities: Experiences of African American women navigating urban spaces and public transport.

[00:08:30] German Cities & Stereotypes: Immigration, clustering, and discriminatory narratives in Heidelberg.

[00:12:00] Homelessness Research: Learning from lived experiences across Berlin, Heidelberg, and industrial towns.

[00:16:00] Teaching Challenges: Encouraging students to balance critical analysis with openness to complexity.

[00:18:00] The Paradox of Gentrification: Who benefits and who gets displaced?

[00:21:00] Policies & Comparative Perspectives: How European planning laws differ from the U.S. in addressing inequalities.

[00:23:00] Personal Engagement: Ulrike’s reflections on being both an academic and a citizen shaping urban space.

[00:27:00] Takeaway Message: We are all urban geographers—pay attention to cities, listen to people, and question assumptions.

💡 Episode Highlights:

• “Doing urban geography, you can’t ignore intersectional vulnerabilities.”
  

• “Even in wealthy cities, there are hidden pockets of poverty and exclusion.”
  

• “Let’s describe urban space first—before rushing to critique it.”
  

• “We are all urban geographers in our daily lives.”
  

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In this episode, Nehar Mortuza is joined by Professor Katarzyna “Kate” Wac—an internationally recognized expert in digital health and the human experience of technology. Currently based at the University of Geneva, where she leads the Quality of Life Technology Lab, Kate shares her remarkable journey from studying electrical engineering in Poland to becoming a pioneering figure in human-centered computing.

Kate’s research sits at the intersection of technology, health, and behavior. She unpacks how wearables, smartphones, and behavioral data are being used to measure and improve quality of life—especially in aging populations and people with chronic illnesses. But Kate doesn’t stop at the technology. She challenges us to think more deeply about how factors like gender, race, disability, digital literacy, and socio-economic background impact access to and trust in digital health tools.

The episode explores the ethical complexities of collecting and using personal health data, the design bias embedded in devices, and the importance of co-creating solutions with diverse populations. Kate also discusses how cross-disciplinary education and bottom-up innovation are key to ensuring that digital health technologies truly serve those who need them most.

This is a must-listen conversation for anyone interested in inclusive innovation, behavior change, and the future of tech-for-good.

Show notes and Timestamp: 

[00:02:31] Kate’s Personal & Professional Journey: From her early days in Poland and technical training in electrical engineering to her evolution into a thought leader in digital health in Europe and the U.S.

[00:05:05] The Role of Human Behavior & Intersectionality: Why addressing the ‘user’ and the diverse tapestry of human identities is essential in tech design.

[00:10:49] Leveraging AI & Wearables for Quality of Life: How sensors, data-driven insights, and feedback loops are being used to monitor behaviors and improve health.

[00:06:00] Intersectional Dimensions in Healthcare Innovation: The impact of gender, race, disability, income level, and digital literacy on designing effective digital health solutions.

[00:20:31] Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Digital Health: Balancing privacy, personalization, and regulation across different regions and legal frameworks.

[00:17:00] Case Studies in Action: Insights from projects on migraine tracking, aging populations, and the design challenges that highlight bias and the need for adaptation.

📣 Call to Action:

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend! Follow IntersectUCPH for more insightful conversations at the intersection of health, technology, and social change.

Organised by

Professor Henriette Steiner Head of Section, Landscape Architecture and Planning and Society  University of Copenhagen

Professor Kristin Veel  Department of Arts and Cultural Studies, University of Copenhagen

In this episode of the Intersect podcast, host Nehar welcomes Juliette Davret, a French geographer currently pursuing her postdoctoral research in Dublin and an Intersect Fellow at the University of Copenhagen. Juliette shares her academic journey, highlighting her PhD work at the University of Nantes, where she focused on the use of data, maps, and information in spatial planning. She discusses her interest in the power relations inherent in data and how her research engages with various stakeholders, including state, private, and civic societies. The episode delves into the complexities of intersectionality and its relevance in understanding overlapping social identities and systems of oppression. Tune in to discover Juliette's insights and the significant impact of her research on society.

Shownotes & Timestamps:

00:01:07 - Guest Introduction: Juliette D'Auvray

Juliette's current role as an Intersect Fellow at the University of Copenhagen.

00:01:39 - Juliette's Career Journey

Her PhD research on data, maps, and information in spatial planning.

00:02:10 - Postdoc at Maynooth University

Juliette's move to Dublin for a postdoc at Maynooth University.

00:02:31 - Importance of Planning and Property Data

The significance of planning and property data in understanding and managing cities.

00:03:03 - Data Production and Management

The involvement of state, private companies, and civic society in data production.

00:04:03 - Challenges in Accessing Data

Difficulties in accessing data, especially from private companies.

00:05:06 - Collaborations and Data Analysis

Juliette's work with private companies to aggregate and improve data quality.

00:05:58 - Integrating Intersectionality in Research

The use of traditional social science methods combined with art practices.

00:07:01 - Artistic Methods in Data Stories Project

The benefits of artistic methods in engaging stakeholders and generating insights.

00:09:13 - Challenges in Promoting Intersectionality

The importance of bespoke approaches to stakeholder engagement.

00:10:45 - Impact of Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The positive impact of bringing together different groups and perspectives.

00:11:15 - Learning from the Fellowship

The value of discussions and conferences in advancing research creation.

00:12:28 - Opportunities and Challenges in Intersectionality

The opportunities presented by combining art-based methods with social science.

00:14:46 - Actions to Address Intersectionality Challenges

The importance of engaging with the general public and local communities.

About Our Guest:

Juliette Davret is a French geographer currently pursuing her postdoctoral research at Maynooth University in Dublin, Ireland. She completed her PhD at the University of Nantes, focusing on the power relations in data and information used in spatial planning. Juliette is involved in the Data Stories project, which examines evidence-based planning and property activity in Ireland, particularly in the context of the ongoing housing crisis in Dublin. Her work emphasizes the importance of understanding data production and management, as well as the gaps in datasets that inform government policy.

Subscribe & Connect:

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📩 Contact: [email protected]

In this episode of the Intersect podcast, Nehar & Analu, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Oregon State University and founder of Belonging At. Analu shares her journey from growing up in Mexico to becoming a social psychologist and advocate for diversity. She discusses intersectionality and its role in understanding oppression and opportunity. Analu highlights her research on Latina entrepreneurs, focusing on how they use cultural wealth and community values to succeed. The episode explores the power of relational and spiritual knowledge in entrepreneurship and the critical role of belonging in mental health and empowerment.

Shownotes & Timestamps:

[00:02:09] The Power of Entrepreneurship in CommunitiesAnalu shares how her family's entrepreneurial spirit in Mexico inspired her to understand the impact of entrepreneurship on vibrant communities and economic empowerment.

[00:05:12] Intersectionality and Its ImportanceShe explains intersectionality, a concept introduced by Dr. Kimberly Crenshaw, and how it helps understand the multiple layers of oppression and opportunity based on different aspects of identity.

[00:10:57] Relational and Spiritual Knowledge in EntrepreneurshipAnalu highlights how Latina entrepreneurs use relational and spiritual knowledge to navigate different worlds and create successful businesses despite challenges.

[00:11:48] Turning Oppression into EmpowermentThe discussion shifts to how Latina entrepreneurs transform oppression into empowerment by leveraging cultural wealth and community values.

[00:14:26] Access to Wealth and Economic Independence Analu talks about the importance of women accessing wealth for freedom and empowerment, and how economic independence can help overcome historical disadvantages.

[00:23:00] The Role of Belonging in Mental Health and EmpowermentShe emphasizes the importance of belonging for mental health and empowerment, comparing it to nutrition for the body.

[00:24:50] Inclusive Innovation and Diversity of ThoughtThe conversation touches on the power of authenticity and diversity of thought in fostering inclusive innovation and creating solutions that benefit diverse communities.

Analu is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Oregon State University's Division of Extension and Engagement. She is also a member of the Board of Directors at Oregon State Credit Union and the founder of Belonging At. Analu's work focuses on revolutionizing how organizations approach diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a particular emphasis on intersectionality. Her research and advocacy are deeply rooted in her personal experiences and her passion for empowering marginalized communities through entrepreneurship and cultural wealth.

Be part of the conversation!📢 Follow us: www.intersect.ku.dk

📩 Contact: [email protected]

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Henriette, an expert in the history and philosophy of architecture, diving into the fascinating intersection of architecture, history, and intersectionality. Henriette shares insights from her extensive research on women in architecture, how moving through various academic environments shaped her understanding of diversity, and the challenges of integrating intersectionality into her field.

Shownotes & Timestamps:

[00:01:27] – Henriette’s Career Journey: Henriette discusses her academic background in the history and philosophy of architecture, highlighting her experience living and working in different cities like Denmark, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and the US.

[00:03:00] – Adapting to New Contexts: Henriette reflects on how moving between cities influenced both her academic work and personal growth, emphasizing the privilege and challenges of such transitions.

[00:03:38] – Cultural Environment and Diversity: Nehar asks about the differences between working in Zurich and Cambridge. Henriette shares her thoughts on how some environments better embrace diversity and different perspectives.

[00:05:03] – Intersectionality in Henriette’s Research: Henriette introduces her research on the history of women architects, emphasizing the importance of diversifying architectural history and incorporating various perspectives, especially gender.

[00:06:24] – Challenges in Promoting Intersectionality: Henriette talks about the challenges of integrating multiple markers of difference (like class and gender) in architectural history and the importance of broadening the lens.

[00:07:10] – Future Projects: Henriette discusses her upcoming projects focused on diversifying Danish architectural history and the need to include a wider range of voices.

[00:08:00] – Case Study: Kielersgårdshelden Swimming Pool: Henriette highlights a project in Copenhagen, focusing on how an intersectional approach has led to a more comprehensive understanding of a public building's design and its contributors.

[00:09:47] – Challenges and Opportunities: Henriette explains how looking at intersecting identities in architectural history helps reveal a fuller picture of how societal changes and design come together, especially in the post-WWII era in Denmark.

[00:12:00] – Diversity in Danish Welfare Society: Henriette discusses how architectural projects contributed to shaping the Danish welfare society, making it more inclusive and equitable.

[00:14:00] – Actionable Takeaways: Nehar asks Henriette for her advice on what listeners can do to address intersectionality both individually and collectively. Henriette emphasizes the power of research and the importance of continuously expanding the conversation beyond just gender.

[00:15:23] – The Importance of Meaningful Conversations: Henriette discusses the value of orchestrating meaningful and transformative discussions about intersectionality within academic and professional circles.

Henriette is a researcher and educator committed to building more diverse and equitable histories of architecture, cities, and landscapes. A Cambridge-educated traveling mama of three, she is an avid collaborator who practices feminist leadership and strives for inclusive excellence at Copenhagen University. Henriette is the research project leader for Women in Danish Architecture 1925-1975 and co-founder of the research hub Intersect. She currently serves as Head of Section at the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen.

Be part of the conversation!

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In this thought-provoking episode of the Intersect UCPH, Nehar Mortuza sits down with Associate Professor Kristin Veel from the University of Copenhagen to look into the intersection of digital infrastructures and cultural imagination. Kristin shares insights from her 20 years of research, exploring how technologies impact our everyday lives, the hidden dynamics of datafication, and the ways intersectionality serves as a powerful methodology for uncovering societal invisibilities.

About our guest:

Kristin Veel is an Associate Professor in Modern Culture at the University of Copenhagen. Her research explores the intersections of digital infrastructures, cultural imagination, and societal invisibilities through an interdisciplinary lens.

Shownotes & Timestamps:

[00:01:22] – Kristin’s Research Focus Kristin explains her fascination with how digital infrastructures shape cultural imagination. She highlights her interest in technologies' invisibilities, uncertainties, and their representations in art, film, and literature.

[02:00] – An Interdisciplinary ApproachKristin reflects on her cultural studies background and the interdisciplinary methodologies she employs to understand the visible and invisible impacts of technology on everyday life.

[02:27] – Why Intersectionality, and Why Now?Kristin describes intersectionality as a method, not just a theory, that enables researchers to explore how social structures and identity markers intersect with technological impacts.

[03:29] – Challenges in Promoting IntersectionalityKristin discusses the challenges of applying intersectionality in her field and how it generates new questions and perspectives.

[03:38] – Case Study: Home Control ProjectKristin shares her work on the Home Control project, which examines the use of smart technologies in domestic violence and coercive control. She explains how technologies like smart locks, cameras, and thermostats are weaponized in abusive relationships.

[05:24] – Intersectionality in ActionKristin provides examples of how an intersectional approach—considering gender, race, and socioeconomic status—has led to more nuanced understandings of technological abuse and its effects on vulnerable populations.

[07:00] – Working with Survivors and InstitutionsKristin discusses the importance of collaborating with crisis shelters and police to better address tech-facilitated abuse and to ensure diverse experiences are accounted for in solutions.

[08:00] – Reflections on PrivilegeKristin emphasizes the importance of researchers understanding their own positions of privilege and being attuned to what privilege makes invisible in their work.

[08:37] – Take-Home MessageKristin encourages listeners to engage with societal invisibilities, be mindful of privilege, and seek spaces for interdisciplinary dialogue, such as the Intersect Research Hub.

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📩 Contact: [email protected]

In the inaugural episode of the Intersect Podcast, Kristin Veel, Henriette Steiner, and Nehar Mortuza come together to discuss the origins, purpose, and vision behind Intersect. Based at the University of Copenhagen, Intersect is a unique research hub fostering interdisciplinary dialogue across arts, humanities, social sciences, design, and natural sciences. They share their personal journeys, the concept of intersectionality, and how collaborative thinking can address complex global challenges.

We hope you enjoy this journey of collective thinking and collaborative problem-solving. If you found the episodes thought-provoking, subscribe and share with your network. Let’s intersect ideas and build solutions together!

 Follow us: https://intersect.ku.dk/ , subscribe to the podcast
 Contact:  [email protected]

Jingle composed especially for Intersect by Pelican Brothers