Who is Siobhan Hickey from Jeopardy? The Maryland Scholar Blending Ethics, Accessibility, and Information Science
Siobhan Hickey, based in Frederick, Maryland, represents a new generation of information professionals dedicated to bridging technology, accessibility, and ethics. Currently pursuing a Master of Information in Library and Information Science at Rutgers University, she combines her academic insight with hands-on experience in accessibility and digital resource management. Her work and research emphasize the belief that information should be managed responsibly, equitably, and in service to the public good.
Her career and academic trajectory reflect a deep understanding of how information systems intersect with social values. Hickey’s approach is informed by her earlier studies in theology and ethics, giving her a moral and philosophical foundation for addressing modern challenges such as data privacy, open access, and digital preservation. As she continues her graduate studies, she stands at the crossroads of ethics and technology, shaping how institutions approach information stewardship in a rapidly evolving digital world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ytl4TM76j4c
Academic Foundations: Religion, Ethics, and Information
Hickey’s academic background is both diverse and distinguished. She began her studies at Haverford College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Religion between 2010 and 2014. There, she developed an early interest in belief systems and moral reasoning, themes that would later inform her work in information ethics.
She deepened her intellectual exploration with a Master of Arts in Theology and Ethics from Union Theological Seminary, completed in 2021. Her time at Union solidified her commitment to social justice, accessibility, and ethical leadership. In this phase of her education, Hickey examined the ways moral philosophy and human values could inform institutional decision-making—a perspective she now applies to the design and management of digital archives and library systems.
Her pursuit of a second graduate degree at Rutgers University, expected to be completed in 2025, marks the next evolution of her academic journey. By blending her background in ethics with technical expertise in cataloguing and metadata, Hickey is equipping herself to tackle the challenges of digital librarianship and data accessibility in higher education and beyond.
Professional Experience in Accessibility and Community Service
Siobhan Hickey’s professional record spans more than a decade and includes substantial contributions to higher education and community-based initiatives. At Columbia University, where she has worked for nearly six years, Hickey served in several capacities within Disability Services, including Graduate Accommodations Assistant, Student Services Coordinator, and Intake and Registration Specialist. In these roles, she oversaw exam accommodations, trained staff in compliance procedures, and helped implement systems to improve accessibility for students with disabilities.
Before joining Columbia, Hickey brought her leadership and organizational skills to public service through AmeriCorps VISTA in Philadelphia. As a Team Leader and Coordinator, she managed youth engagement programs and built partnerships to strengthen local communities. Earlier, she worked as a Counselor and Camp Administrator for the Baltimore Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, a Quaker organization that emphasizes education, inclusion, and social responsibility. These experiences reflect her ongoing dedication to service, mentorship, and advocacy for equitable access.
Technical Proficiency and Ethical Innovation
Hickey’s skill set is as technical as it is thoughtful. She is proficient in cataloguing standards such as LCSH, RDA, and MARC, and fluent in programming and data management languages including XML, SQL, CSS, and HTML. This technical expertise supports her broader goal of advancing digital accessibility and open information systems.
Her professional interests lie in digital libraries, metadata ethics, and information preservation, where she seeks to create frameworks that protect both data integrity and human dignity. By uniting her technical knowledge with her ethical training, Hickey exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to library and information science—one that values precision, transparency, and inclusivity.
A Jeopardy Contestant with Intellect and Poise
When Siobhan Hickey appeared on Jeopardy, she brought with her the intellectual depth and calm focus that define her professional life. Her background in theology, ethics, and information systems made her well-equipped to navigate the show’s wide-ranging questions—combining the analytical clarity of a researcher with the reflective insight of a philosopher.
Her performance on Jeopardy also reflected her lifelong commitment to learning. Whether exploring moral philosophy or mastering metadata structures, Hickey approaches every field of study with curiosity and care. Her presence on the show was a celebration of interdisciplinary knowledge—the kind that connects faith, reason, and technology in thoughtful ways.
Shaping the Future of Ethical Information Management
As she continues her studies and professional development, Siobhan Hickey remains focused on advancing ethical standards in information science. Her journey—from AmeriCorps service and accessibility coordination to graduate research in digital librarianship—underscores a consistent purpose: ensuring that information is not only organized effectively but also shared justly.
In both her academic and professional work, Hickey represents a new model of the information professional: one who values empathy as much as accuracy, and ethics as much as innovation. Whether curating archives or competing on Jeopardy, she embodies the principle that knowledge is most powerful when used responsibly—and shared with all.
