Research

Artificial intelligence holds potential to assist us in understanding social problems and to potentially empower communities. Research included in this cluster focuses on developing AI tools for journalism, using AI to improve storytelling, creating algorithmic approaches to address social issues, and examining how AI technologies shape cultural narratives and democratic participation. 

Faculty: Rahul Bhargava, Derek Curry, Jennifer Gradecki, Jody Santos, Michael Ann DeVito, Brooke Foucault Welles, Justin Grandinetti, Yukun Yang, Sina Fazelpour, Qi “Ryan” Wang, Briana Trifiro, Vance Ricks, Nora Suren, Carlos Sandoval Olascoaga.

Projects:

• AI-Enhanced VR Learning (Eileen McGivney) – Using AI to help learners in virtual escape rooms engage in metacognitive reflection
• Computational Journalism Tools (Rahul Bhargava) – Developing algorithms to understand how stories move across different platforms
• Going Viral (Derek Curry & Jennifer Gradecki) – Interactive artwork using AI to generate videos countering COVID-19 misinformation
• Boogaloo Bias (Derek Curry & Jennifer Gradecki) – Interactive installation examining facial recognition technology bias

Data systems, social networks, and algorithmic technologies can both promote andr harm social justice efforts. Research included in this cluster examines how marginalized communities creatively use mobile technologies for survival and empowerment, studying social media networks, investigating algorithmic bias and accountability, collaborative design with communities, digital approaches to civic engagement, community-driven technology development, urban technologies that shape city life, and mobile AI applications that affect how people navigate and interact with urban spaces.

Faculty: Adriana de Souza e Silva, Christopher Le Dantec, Laura Forlano, Derek Curry, Jennifer Gradecki, Michael Ann DeVito, Brooke Foucault Welles, Morgan DiCesare, Justin Grandinetti, Yukun Yang, Maria Elena Villar, Matt Carroll, Dan Kennedy, Zorana Matić, Celia Pearce, Nora Suren, Carlos Sandoval Olascoaga, Yifan Xu.

Projects:

• Mobile Networked Creativity (Adriana de Souza e Silva) – Documenting creative technology use among marginalized communities globally
• Civic Data Theater (Rahul Bhargava) – Using theater performances to engage communities with data about issues like gentrification
• Social Media and Race/Ethnicity Research (Yukun Yang) – Studying how social media affects understanding of race and ethnicity
• Content Moderation & Alternative Platforms (Milo Trujillo) – Research on decentralized social networks and open-source governance
• Community Data Storytelling (Rahul Bhargava) – Creating data murals, sculptures, and performances with communities

Digital technologies offer powerful new ways to preserve and share cultural memories and community histories, while historical narratives about race and identity continue to influence contemporary media. Research included in this cluster focuses on creating digital archives, supporting grassroots storytelling, historical journalism that challenges dominant narratives, and using new technologies to help communities represent themselves and preserve their cultures.

Faculty: Morgan DiCesare, Caleb Gayle, Meryl Alper, Matt Carroll, Dan Kennedy, Derek Curry, Jennifer Gradecki, Stephen Warren, Sylke Rene Meyer, Brooke Foucault Welles, Laura Forlano, Celia Pearce, Christopher Le Dantec

Projects:

• Retro Mobile Gaming Database (RMGD) – Preserving early mobile gaming history
• Queer and Trans Archives Projects (Morgan DiCesare) – Grassroots archival practices preserving LGBTQIA+ narratives
• Historical Journalism on Race and Identity (Caleb Gayle) – Books and articles challenging dominant historical narratives

New technologies have the power to promote health and inclusion for all people, but only when designed with accessibility and equity in mind. Research included in this cluster explores using virtual reality for accessible learning experiences, creating inclusive technology design, considering neurodiversity in technology development, improving health communication, and using immersive media to build empathy and understanding across different communities.

Faculty: Meryl Alper, Eileen McGivney, Laura Forlano, Jennifer Gradecki, Zorana Matić, Filiz Durgun, Amy Shirong Lu, Celia Pearce, Jody Santos, Michael Ann DeVito

Projects:

• VR Healthcare Communication Training (Eileen McGivney) – VR application helping healthcare students practice with diverse patient populations
• XR Ethics for Neurodivergent Children (Meryl Alper) – Investigating ethical VR use with neurodivergent children and families
• VR Field Trips for STEM Education (Eileen McGivney) – Developing VR experiences for underrepresented students in STEM.
• AI-Enhanced VR Learning (Eileen McGivney) – Using AI to help learners in virtual escape rooms engage in metacognitive reflection

New technologies are fundamentally changing news production, information systems, and civic communication, with profound implications for democracy. Research included in this cluster focuses on developing innovative storytelling formats, supporting community media initiatives, using data-driven approaches for journalism with social impact, historical reporting about race and identity, computational approaches to journalism, and efforts to fight misinformation while strengthening local news.

Faculty: Caleb Gayle, Rahul Bhargava, Jonathan Kaufman, Jeb Sharp, Meg Heckman, Dan Kennedy, Jody Santos, Dan Zedek, Matt Carroll, Morgan DiCesare, Derek Curry, Jennifer Gradecki, Stephen Warren, Zorana Matic, Dana Bullister, Yukun Yang, David Tamés, Briana Trifiro, Ridwanullah Abdulhameed, Milo Trujillo

Projects:

• Media Cloud (Rahul Bhargava) – Infrastructure for media monitoring and research
• Counterdata Network (Rahul Bhargava) – Co-designing tools for activists using news as data
• Civic Data Theater (Rahul Bhargava) – Using theater performances to engage communities with data about civic issues like gentrification
• Going Viral (Derek Curry & Jennifer Gradecki) – Interactive artwork using AI to generate videos countering COVID-19 misinformation
• “We Refuse to Forget” (Caleb Gayle) – Book on Black Creeks, American identity, and power
• “Black Moses” (Caleb Gayle) – Book about Edward McCabe’s dreams to colonize Oklahoma.