Dr. Morana Alač

Biography

Morana Alač conducts ethnographic research in scientific laboratory settings, focusing on the technological production and use, as well as the multimodal and multisensory aspects of ordinary interactional practice. Her areas of interest include ethnomethodology, interaction technology, gesture, multimodality, and senses. She has earned her Ph.D. in Semiotics from the University of Bologna in 2002 and a second Ph.D. in Cognitive Science from the University of California, San Diego in 2006. Throughout her career, Alač has published extensively on topics concerning the interactions between humans and technology, particularly in relation to how digital voice assistants and social robots initiate human engagements. In addition to her numerous articles in prominent journals such as Social Studies of Science and Semiotica, she has also contributed to influential volumes in her field, enhancing the understanding of multimodal interaction within cognitive studies and the implications of technology in everyday practices. Alač was recognized with the 2013 Book Award from the Ethnomethodology Conversation Analysis Section of the American Sociological Association for her influential work.

Research Interests