Esther Jang

Esther Jang is a postdoctoral researcher in Computer Science at the University of Washington and Director of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Local Connectivity Lab. She founded the Seattle Community Network (SCN) in 2019, an action research project building DIY internet infrastructure for digital equity in marginalized communities. Her work spans community-led network deployment, rural connectivity, and accessibility technology with a strong emphasis on social justice.

Her educational background includes a PhD from the University of Washington (advised by Dr. Kurtis Heimerl), a Master of Engineering from MIT (2015-2016), and undergraduate research at MIT and the University of Maryland. Key projects during her studies included cognitive routing for sensor networks, brain aging computational models, and low-cost internet access systems for rural Tanzania.

Research Interests: Jang's work centers on participatory, feminist, and sustainable approaches to technology infrastructure. She focuses on empowering communities through DIY network design, repairable systems, and co-created sustainability toolkits. Her projects address digital equity for Indigenous groups (Peru), low-income Seattle residents, and rural Philippines communities, emphasizing local ownership and resilience.

Publication Trends: Her 2017-2024 publications reveal a cohesive focus on community network sustainability. Key themes include authentication architectures for private cellular networks (2024), trust-based repair infrastructures in rural settings (2019), and AI-driven accessibility solutions (2019). Her work consistently bridges technical innovation with social impact, prioritizing co-design with end-users in resource-constrained environments.

Funding and Advising: Projects have received support from the National Science Foundation, City of Seattle, and King County. During doctoral studies, she was advised by Dr. Kurtis Heimerl (UW), Dr. Jason Young, and Dr. Michael Gilmore. Collaborations span Pontifical Catholic University of Peru and University of the Philippines Diliman.

Labs and Initiatives: As Director of Local Connectivity Lab, she leads SCN and contributes to Tribal Broadband Bootcamp training. She volunteers with NYC Mesh Network and co-founded a Seattle communal living project, extending her commitment to community-driven infrastructure beyond academia.