Zachary McDowell

Zachary McDowell is an Assistant Professor of Communication at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Department of Communication. His research focuses on access, advocacy, and equity in digital spaces, particularly regarding knowledge production in platforms like Wikipedia and the ethical implications of AI. He holds a PhD in Communication from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Dr. McDowell’s research explores how technology shapes cultural production, digital literacy, and equity. Key areas include AI’s impact on knowledge systems, ethics of data commons (e.g., Wikidata), and participatory media’s role in marginalized communities. He co-founded the open-access journal communication +1, emphasizing innovation in communication scholarship.

His teaching philosophy integrates critical engagement with technology and equity, using embodied practice to bridge theory and application. He volunteers in Chicago’s McKinley Park neighborhood and advocates for systemic equity in education and knowledge systems. Notable collaborations include work with the Wiki Education Foundation on student learning outcomes through Wikipedia editing.

• Education: PhD in Communication, University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Key Roles: Co-founder, communication +1 Journal; Research Fellow, Wiki Education Foundation
• Awards: None explicitly listed in provided texts