Dr. Shaquilla Harrigan
Sociologist | Writer | Maker
About Me
I am a sociologist researching the Future of Work in Africa. Using qualitative methods, I investigate how workers adapt to technological change and transnational organizational systems. I received my Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2025.
I share my research and experiences navigating graduate school through writing across a range of publications. My research has been published in The Journal of Contemporary Ethnography. I have also contributed several advice articles to ProFellow.
Hello, I’m Shaquilla! I’m a sociologist, writer, and maker. Each facet feeds my curiosity about the world. My work and values show a commitment to creativity, community, and care.
To honor the various experiences and sources of knowledge people possess, I believe in being a learner first, and teacher second. My teaching philosophy centers growth and advocating for a student’s particular needs.
When I’m not conducting fieldwork or teaching students, you can most probably find me at the pottery studio. I transform (sometimes more successfully than others) wet clay into artistic and functional pieces.
Shaquilla Harrigan
Learn More
Research
Preparing African young people for the digital economy, entrepreneurship, and transnational decision-making
Writing
Peer-reviewed research, uncovering the hidden curriculum of academia, finding my way with words
Handmade
The importance of handmade crafts, art, and food became even more salient after the passing of my grandmother in June 2022. During her celebration of life, I shared a poem called, “Granny’s Hands.” Over her life, Granny’s hands have made prom dresses, baked black cakes for people around the world, and provided care to hospital patients. I carry on her legacy and build my community through painting, embroidery, cooking, making functional ceramic ware.