Jonathan A. Obar is an Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at York University in Toronto, Canada. He also works as a research associate with the Quello Center for Telecommunication Management and Law at Michigan State University, where he previously served as Associate Director for four years. He was also previously a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media at Michigan State University. His research explores and evaluates the impact that traditional and new/social media technologies have on civic engagement, communication policymaking and the inclusiveness of public culture. Dr. Obar holds a Ph.D. from Penn State University (Mass Communications), an M.A. from Syracuse University (Media Studies), and a B.A. from York University (Communication Studies and Humanities).

• Jonathan has written a number of articles about the benefits of Wikipedia as both a teaching and research tool. Including: Why Wikipedia Does Belong in the Classroom.

• With the Wikimedia Foundation, Dr. Obar previously worked as a Public Policy Teaching Fellow as well as a Wikipedia Education Program Coordinator with the Wikipedia Education Program.

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