Instagram’s Dr. Michael Miner ’15
Consider Dr. Michael Miner ’15, whose path from adversity to success serves as a testament to the transformative power of the education and community support provided by St. Joseph’s.
“I was raised in poverty, I was a first-generation college student, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and a former foster youth,” said Dr. Miner, who praised SJNY for its supportive environment. “St. Joseph’s provided a nurturing environment that allowed me to grow both academically and personally. My time there fueled my desire to understand and address social inequalities.”
A double-major in sociology and psychology, Dr. Miner noted that his professors, namely Drs. Raymond D’Angelo and Mirella Landriscina, were instrumental in inspiring him to pursue a Ph.D., fostering his interests in understanding inequality, and challenging him to excel academically.
“The five pillars of St. Joseph’s — integrity, intellectual rigor, spiritual depth, social responsibility and service — have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on my worldview and career path,” he said, adding that the University’s motto, Esse non videri — “To be, not to seem,” emphasizes authenticity and commitment, which aligns with his drive to address social inequalities and promote scientific understanding.
Dr. Miner’s professional journey has also been fueled by the leadership and teamwork skills he cultivated while playing for the Brooklyn Campus soccer team.
“As team captain, I honed my skills in effective communication, motivation and strategic planning with fellow teammates, which I continue to apply in my role at Instagram,” he said. “Additionally, participating in sports taught me the importance of discipline, perseverance and work-life balance, which are vital for maintaining a successful career while prioritizing personal well-being.”
After earning his bachelor’s degree, Dr. Miner immediately enrolled in graduate school, obtaining a master’s and Ph.D. in sociology within five years.
Dr. Miner’s commitment to addressing societal issues led him to a career at the intersection of sociology and technology. At Meta, he leads teams on ranking and the survey ecosystem. His work focuses on understanding how attitudes and behaviors are shaped by technology, with the aim of promoting equity and integrity on digital platforms.
He also serves as an affiliate professor of statistics at SJNY, and engages with academic institutions as a visiting scholar.
“This keeps me abreast of cutting-edge research, methodologies and theories, allowing me to implement the most effective strategies in my work,” he said.
Additionally, Dr. Miner participates in discussions on digital research methods and non-traditional career paths, aiming to guide and inspire future generations of scholars.