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Hi! I’m Yinka, a Ph.D. candidate at the Information School, University of Wisconsin–Madison, where I work with Reginold Royston. I am also affiliated with the African Studies Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I am also a fellow at the Interdisciplinary Network for Technology and Entrepreneurship Research in Africa (INTERA).
My academic research lies at the intersection of digital labor, language, and platform economies. I examine the experiences of gig translators in Kenya, focusing on how they engage with digital platforms, negotiate autonomy, and respond to shifting policy environments. Through this work, I aim to inform more inclusive policy approaches, inclusive technologies, the need for capacity building, and localization.
My dissertation is titled “Translators as Gig Workers: Re-iterating White Collar Work in the Era of Digital De-Professionalization in Kenya.” I am currently undertaking my research in Kenya, where I am working closely with freelance or gig translators, language professionals in academia, and industry professionals.
Before attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison, I obtained my M.A. in Political Science and M.Sc. in Information Communication Science from Ball State University. During my time there, I gained valuable teaching and research experience, working on projects related to technology policy, digital communication, and governance. These experiences helped shape my academic interests and provided a foundation for my ongoing research.
Alongside my academic work, I wear another hat as a UX researcher and practitioner. I explore how people engage with technology in everyday settings, bridging theoretical insights and practical application.
My focus lies at the crossroads of digital inclusion and human-centered design. Combining a foundation in social theory with hands-on UX research, I aim to create technologies deeply rooted in real-world experiences and tailored to diverse user needs.
You can also explore my UX portfolio to see examples of my applied research work. My work is driven by a commitment to culturally responsive design, especially in under-researched contexts, in both academic and applied settings.
Outside of academia, I am an avid soccer fan with a deep passion for the sport. During my college years, I played competitive soccer, an experience that taught me invaluable life lessons such as grit, perseverance, and the importance of teamwork.
These lessons have not only shaped me as an individual but have also profoundly influenced my professional approach—encouraging me to stay resilient in the face of challenges, maintain a strong work ethic, and collaborate effectively with others. Soccer remains a meaningful part of my life, continually inspiring me to push boundaries both on and off the field.