Welcome to ryanwhalen.com.*  I’m a JD student at Northwestern Law and a PhD student at Northwestern University’s School of Communication where I’m in the Media, Technology & Society program.  I’m advised by Professor Noshir Contractor, principal investigator at the SONIC lab.

My research examines the evolution of legal systems.  I use complex systems theory and network science to analyze networks of regulations and legal precedents.  I’m especially interested in the interplay of ideological and technological changes on patterns of legal precedent formation.

I’m Canadian born, where I did my BA(hons) in history at Saint Mary’s University.  Prior to moving to Chicago to study at  Northwestern I completed my MA at National Chengchi University in Taipei.  Before I ever attended university I worked around the world as a juggler, actor and entertainer.

* If you’re a football fan, there’s a reasonably high probability you’re trying to get here: Ryan Whalen.  If you’re not a football fan, or perhaps you are a football fan, but aren’t so big on the Bengals, or you’re interested in learning about one of the other Ryan Whalens, you’re in the right place.