Dr. Megan Rose

Biography

Megan Catherine Rose is a cultural sociologist and artist based in Sydney, Australia. As a post-doctoral research fellow at the Vitalities Lab at UNSW Sydney, she explores the connections between visual cultures, creativity, and wellbeing. Her research interests include the use of creativity in new technologies to foster collective cultures of care and belonging. Megan specializes in action-led participatory research that centers the experiences of marginalized groups, particularly collaborating with queer and disabled communities in English and Japanese online spaces. Her recent work examines self-determined cultures that support autistic adults and the cultural implications of care robot design. She is actively publishing research on the visual expression of neuro-queer femme subcultures in local areas such as Harajuku and Akihabara in Tokyo. Megan is also recognized for her work in 'cute studies', focusing on Japanese popular culture and its intersections with care, queer identities, and neurodiversity. Her contributions have led to collaborations with arts community initiatives, including an invitation to the UK’s 2023 Cute exhibition at Somerset House.

Research Interests