Find Academic Supervisors

Elizabeth M. Belding is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). She holds leadership roles as an Associate Dean and Faculty Equity Advisor in the UCSB College of Engineering, and serves as Associate Director of the Center for Information Technology and Society (CITS). Her research focuses on mobile/wireless networking, network measurement, and ICTD, with a focus on improving Internet accessibility in underserved regions globally. She has authored over 180 technical papers and led the development of the AODV routing protocol, foundational to standards like 802.11s and Zigbee. Education: Ph.D./M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from UCSB (2000/1997). Awards include ACM and IEEE Fellowships, the 2018 ACM SIGMOBILE Test-of-Time Award, and mentoring accolades. She directs the MOMENT Lab, exploring broadband measurement, rural connectivity, and satellite networks. Recent projects include the NSF-funded PuebloConnect initiative and analysis of US broadband inequities via the Connect America Fund. Research emphasizes socially impactful solutions, including tribal community internet access, disaster communication (e.g., refugee camps), and combating gender-based violence via social media analysis. She has held leadership roles in the UCSB CS department and campus-wide initiatives, including the Chancellor's Advisory Committee on the Status of Women. Key grants include NSF, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and industry partnerships (e.g., ViaSat). Notable students include Udit Paul (2024 SIGCOMM Dissertation Award) and Jiamo Liu. The MOMENT Lab's work spans technical innovations in mesh networks, cellular coverage, and policy-driven broadband analysis.

• Mobile Wireless Networking
• Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICTD)
• Network Measurement
• +5 more

Elizabeth M. Belding is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and Associate Director of the Center for Information Technology and Society. She holds a Ph.D. (2000) and M.S. (1997) in Electrical and Computer Engineering from UCSB. Co-developer of AODV routing protocol (basis for IEEE 802.11s and Zigbee) Director of the Mobility Management and Networking (MOMENT) Laboratory Associate Dean and Faculty Equity Advisor, College of Engineering Her research focuses on mobile and wireless communication networks , including network performance analysis , digital equity , and information and communication technologies for development (ICTD) . She specializes in improving internet access for marginalized communities including Native American reservations, refugee camps, and rural areas in Zambia, South Africa, and Mongolia. Recent research trends include: Accurate broadband measurement in the U.S. using crowdsourced data Development of wireless solutions for underserved regions Analysis of 5G performance variability and GEO satellite latency Mapping cellular network evolution and infrastructure criticality Evaluating federal broadband funding programs (CAF, BEAD, NSF) Quantifying video streaming quality of experience (QoE) Scientific honors include: ACM Fellow (2018) IEEE Fellow (2014) AAAS Fellow ACM SIGMOBILE Test of Time Award (2018) NCWIT Harrold and Notkin Award (2015) UCSB Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award (2012) IRTF Applied Networking Research Prize (2024) She has advised 22 Ph.D. graduates from the MOMENT Lab, including Jiamo Liu (2024) and Udit Paul (2023). Current research receives funding from NSF, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and industry partners like ViaSat, with emphasis on broadband deployment analysis and network solutions for challenged environments.

• Mobile and Wireless Networking
• Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICTD)
• Network Performance Analysis
• +3 more

Karthik Bhat is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Information Science at Drexel University's College of Computing & Informatics (CCI). His research focuses on how emerging technologies can enhance healthcare and care work, particularly examining sociocultural and socioeconomic factors influencing technology adoption in healthcare systems. He holds a PhD in Human-Centered Computing from Georgia Institute of Technology and a B.Tech in Information Technology from NITK Surathkal, India. His research interests include Human-Centered AI, care work dynamics, and the role of technology in global health contexts (ICTD). Notable awards include Best Paper and Honorable Mention at the ACM CSCW conference. He currently mentors undergraduate and graduate students at Drexel but is not accepting new PhD students at this time. Dr. Bhat's work bridges HCI, AI ethics, and healthcare innovation, with recent publications exploring hybrid telemedicine workflows, family caregiving roles, and privacy practices in aging households. His lab investigates technology's role in improving equitable access to healthcare services while addressing systemic barriers through participatory design approaches. Key Research Themes: Care Work, Telemedicine, HCI for Healthcare, Sociocultural Technology Design Awards: CSCW Best Paper (2023), CSCW Honorable Mention (2023) Education: PhD Georgia Tech (202?), B.Tech NITK (20?) Lab Focus: Technology Mediation in Care Systems, Health Equity through Design

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Healthcare Technology
• AI in Healthcare
• +4 more

Nicola Dell is an Associate Professor at Cornell Tech in the Department of Information Science at the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute and the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science. She advises Ph.D. and M.S. students in information science and computer science, focusing on human-computer interaction, computer security and privacy, and information and communication technologies for development. Education: BSc (2004) from the University of East Anglia MS (2011) from the University of Washington PhD (2015) from the University of Washington Nicola Dell's research operates at the intersection of human-computer interaction and computer security & privacy. She studies how computing technologies can facilitate harm, especially among at-risk or marginalized communities, and develops systems, frameworks, and interventions that make our technology-mediated world safer and more equitable. Her major research lines focus on the security and privacy of people experiencing intimate partner violence and improving technology for home healthcare workers. Through sustained partnerships with affected communities, Dell's human-centered approach to technology innovation informs real-world policies and systems that empower people in their daily lives. Scientific Awards: MacArthur Fellowship (2024) SIGCHI Societal Impact Award (2023) Advocate of New York City Award (2019) NSF CAREER Award (2018) Nicola Dell advises Ph.D. and M.S. students in information science and computer science. Her NSF CAREER Award supports her research on technology interventions for marginalized communities. She has published over 80 peer-reviewed conference and journal papers at top-tier venues including CHI, CSCW, ICTD, COMPASS, IEEE S&P Oakland, and USENIX Security, with several receiving Best Paper and Honorable Mention recognitions. Dell co-founded and co-directs the Clinic to End Tech Abuse (CETA), which provides "clinical computer security" consultations to survivors of intimate partner violence. She also serves as the director of technology innovation for the Initiative on Home Care Work in the Center for Applied Research on Work (CAROW) and was the inaugural Siegel Faculty Impact Fellow in the Public Interest Technology Initiative at Cornell Tech in 2023.

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Computer Security and Privacy
• Information and Communication Technologies for Development
• +3 more

Dr. Yingqin Zheng is a Reader in Management and Marketing at the Essex Business School, University of Essex. Her research focuses on the societal impacts of information and communication technologies (ICT), with particular emphasis on digital inclusion, technology-enabled development, and critical perspectives on ICT4D. Her work explores how digital technologies shape social equity, innovation ecosystems, and organizational practices in global contexts. Her research interests include: ICT for Development (ICT4D) Digital inequality and empowerment Innovation hubs and tech ecosystems Platform labor dynamics Sociotechnical systems in global health Recent publications highlight contributions to understanding mHealth adoption in India, post-pandemic health interventions in Thailand, and the paradoxes of digital disempowerment. She has secured grants such as the 2023 Interdisciplinary Network on Women's Digital Inclusion funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences. Teaching responsibilities include courses on technology-organization-society dynamics, innovation management, and research methodologies in management.

• Information Systems
• Digital Inclusion
• ICT for Development (ICT4D)
• +4 more

Shaddi Hasan is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Virginia Tech's College of Engineering. His research focuses on building equitable network infrastructure for underserved regions, emphasizing human-centered design through collaborations with users and policymakers. He holds a Ph.D. (2019) from UC Berkeley and a B.S. (2010) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, UC Berkeley (2019) M.S. in Computer Science, UC Berkeley (2013) B.S. in Computer Science, UNC Chapel Hill (2010) Research interests span networks, ICTD, HCI, and distributed systems. Key projects include the Magma open-source core network platform (developed at Facebook Connectivity) and CellBricks for modular rural cellular deployment. His work frequently involves real-world deployments in developing regions. Notable awards include the NSDI 2023 Community Award and multiple best paper recognitions. Current projects analyze broadband mapping accuracy and consumer label interpretation, with a focus on policy implications. Advising: Actively mentoring PhD students and undergraduates. Lab: SPIN Lab (Systems, People, Infrastructure, and Networks). Projects include GitHub repositories for Broadband Data Kit and Magma.

• Network Infrastructure
• ICTD (Information and Communication Technologies for Development)
• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
• +3 more

Susan Wyche is an Associate Professor at Michigan State University (MSU) in the Department of Media and Information within the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. She also holds a courtesy appointment in the African Studies Center at MSU. Her research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICTD), particularly examining technology use in Sub-Saharan Africa through fieldwork in Kenyan communities since 2008. PhD in Human-Centered Computing from Georgia Tech MS from Cornell University Undergraduate degree in Industrial Design from Carnegie Mellon University Wyche’s work explores speculative approaches to technology design in developing regions, with a strong emphasis on mHealth applications and health communication. Her research has been supported by Google, Facebook, Mozilla, USAID, and NIH. Her recent publications highlight integrating African perspectives into technology curricula, addressing mHealth limitations for diabetes management in LMICs, and reimagining mobile phone design for ICT4D. She received the 2022 John K. Hudzik Emerging Leader in Advancing International Studies Award for her global contributions. John K. Hudzik Emerging Leader in Advancing International Studies Award (2022) Grants from Google, Facebook, Mozilla, USAID, and NIH have supported her fieldwork and design research in Kenya.

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Information and Communication Technology for Development
• Technology Use in Sub-Saharan Africa
• +3 more

Tawanna Dillahunt is an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Information and holds a courtesy appointment with the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department. She also serves as a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Visiting Scholar at MIT in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning and the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS). Her research focuses on leveraging technology to address socioeconomic disparities, particularly among marginalized communities in the U.S. Education: Ph.D. and M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction from Carnegie Mellon University; M.S. in Computer Science from Oregon Health and Science University; B.S. in Computer Engineering from North Carolina State University Her work explores the intersection of technology, employment, and community well-being, emphasizing equitable transportation, digital literacy, and support for migrant populations. She has developed tools for job seekers with limited digital access and examined discriminatory practices in online recruitment. ACM Distinguished Member Skip Ellis Early Career Award William Bentinck-Smith Fellow MIT MLK Visiting Scholar Kavli Fellow Dillahunt has led the Social Innovations Group (SIG) at UMSI and is affiliated with the Michigan ICTD and MISC research groups. Her career spans roles as a software engineer at Intel and a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow at UMSI.

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Socio-Technical Systems
• Digital Equity
• +11 more

Dr. Shameem Ahmed is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Western Washington University. He co-founded and co-directs the NEAT (Next Generation Effective Affective Technology) research group, focusing on interdisciplinary work at the intersection of technology for neurodivergent individuals, human-computer interaction (HCI), and information and communication technologies for development (ICTD). Education: Ph.D. in Information Science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign MS in Computer Science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign MS in Computer Science from Marquette University B.Sc. in Computer Science and Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology His research explores assistive technologies for autistic individuals, including emotion detection, stress prediction, and accessible education design. Recent work includes IEEE COMPSAC 2024 publications on emotion recognition systems and assessment techniques for autistic students. His peer-reviewed articles span topics like mixed-reality training platforms , data-driven stress analysis , and self-healing middleware , with a focus on surveys, systematic reviews, and technology deployment in developing regions. He has mentored students receiving WWU CS Outstanding Graduate Student and Alumni Awards . Awards: Outstanding Poster Award, Undergraduate Scholars Poster Session, WWU (2017, 2016) Dissertation Fellowship, iSchool, UIUC (2014) Honorable Mention: Best Poster Award, ACM iConference (2013) Sohaib and Sara Abbasi Fellowship, CS, UIUC (2008) Runner-up, CS UIUC Internet Television (IPTV) Development Competition (2008) Shameem Ahmed teaches courses in database systems , mobile programming , and technology for social good . His NEAT lab has produced impactful tools like InterViewR for job interview training simulations and studies on autism support systems in Bangladesh.

• Technology for Neurodivergent Individuals
• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
• Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICTD)

Kurtis Heimerl serves as an Associate Professor at the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, where his work bridges technology development and global poverty alleviation through innovative Internet access solutions and environmental conservation initiatives. His research program features two interconnected pillars: Community-Centric Connectivity: Pioneering community-owned cellular infrastructure including LTE adaptation for local networks and repair ecosystem studies in the Philippines, with current deployment focus in Washington's Puget Sound region. Conservation Technology: Developing human-centered tools for community engagement in environmental protection through active collaboration with Kenyan conservancies. Accolades highlight exceptional scholarly contributions: 2014 MIT Technology Review 35 Innovators Under 35 2018 University of Washington Diamond Award for Early Career Faculty Best Paper Awards at CHI, COMPASS, PETS, and DySPAN conferences Two NSDI Community Awards recognizing impactful systems research Dr. Heimerl mentors students through the Change and ICTD research groups while maintaining industry engagement as Madrona Venture Labs technical advisor and IETF Global Alliance for Internet for All co-chair. His operational research environments include the Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICTD) Lab, Change group, and DUB Group (Design. Use. Build.), with ongoing work transitioning community cellular research from academic prototypes to real-world implementation.

• Human-Centered Computing
• Software & Hardware Systems
• Computer Networking
• +5 more

Debra Richardson: Academic Overview Debra Richardson is a Professor of Informatics and the founding Dean of the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences (ICS) at the University of California, Irvine. She has held leadership roles since joining UCI’s faculty in 1987, including serving as Chair of ICS and Dean for ten years. Her academic work bridges software engineering, sustainability, and requirements engineering. Key research projects include Software Engineering for Sustainability (SE4S) and Requirements Engineering at the Margins (RE@tM) , which address global challenges in ICT development and environmental impact reduction. Education Ph.D., Computer and Information Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst (1981) M.S., Computer and Information Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst (1978) B.A., Mathematics, University of California, San Diego (1976) Research Interests Richardson’s research focuses on adapting software engineering methods to socially relevant domains. She advocates for sustainable ICT systems and inclusive computing practices that address marginalized communities. Her work emphasizes integrating sustainability as a first-class requirement in software development and rethinking requirements engineering for global accessibility. She also explores gender diversity in technology and has pioneered initiatives like the Women in ICS (WICS) program. Recognition & Contributions She has been recognized as a Fellow of Automated Software Engineering and led the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT). Her efforts include chairing Computer Science Education Week and advocating for K-12 CS education reforms in California. Richardson also chairs the California Computing Education Advocacy Network (CCEAN) to ensure equitable access to computing education. Service & Advocacy Her service extends to promoting diversity in STEM, including roles with the Computing Research Association (CRA) Deans Group and Girls Incorporated of Orange County. Richardson’s leadership has transformed ICS into a top-tier interdisciplinary school and fostered initiatives like the Debra J. Richardson Student Support Fund to support underrepresented students in computing. Personal Interests Beyond academia, Richardson is an avid outdoors enthusiast, practicing rock climbing, scuba diving, and yoga. She supports women’s sports and has been a dedicated fan of UCI’s women’s basketball team.

• Software Engineering
• Sustainability
• Requirements Engineering
• +3 more

Christelle Scharff is a Professor at Pace University 's Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. Her research spans Artificial Intelligence , Global Software Engineering , and ICT for Development (ICTD) , with a focus on cultural and educational applications. 1993-1999: BS, MS, PhD in Computer Science (Universite Henri Poincare, France) Her work includes AI ethics , deep learning for cultural preservation , and mobile technology for education in Africa . She leads the Seidenberg School's Artificial Intelligence Lab and has secured grants from NSF, IBM, Microsoft, Google , and USAID . Recent publications analyze global AI strategies , scrum team dynamics , and coding education in Africa . Her projects emphasize localization and sustainable technology deployment in Senegal and Cambodia. 2023 : NYAS Scientist Fellow 2019, 2012 : Fulbright Scholar in Senegal 2015 : Jefferson Award for Public Service She teaches advanced courses including Mobile Application Development , AI Ethics , and Software Reliability , with a pedagogical approach integrating field research and social entrepreneurship.

• Artificial Intelligence
• Deep Learning
• Machine Learning
• +6 more

Kentaro Toyama is the W.K. Kellogg Professor of Community Information at the University of Michigan School of Information, a fellow at MIT's Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values, and author of *Geek Heresy*. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Yale and a B.A. in Physics from Harvard. Roles: Faculty Director (MSI Program), Co-Chair of DEI Committee, AAUP Chapter President Research Focus: Technology's societal impact, digital divide, and critical race theory in tech Affiliations: Former Assistant Managing Director of Microsoft Research India (2005–201?), co-founder of ICTD Conference His 'Law of Amplification' argues technology amplifies existing human intent/capacity, reshaping debates on tech-driven development. He advises governments (e.g., World Bank) and NGOs like Digital Green, impacting millions of farmers globally. Awards: ACM Fellow (2022), Marr Prize (2001), recognition for Xbox Kinect foundational work.

• Digital Technology and Social Change
• International Development
• Human-Computer Interaction
• +3 more

Jennifer Olson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Media & Information at the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, Michigan State University, specializing in geospatial research and technology development for international contexts, particularly across Africa. Her research focuses on: Climate change and land use impacts on landscapes and societies Information and Communications Technologies for Development (ICTD) using computers, GIS, and mobile platforms Human Centered Design co-creation with communities for agricultural and health applications With fieldwork spanning Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia, she leads initiatives like the "Designing Technology Solutions for Schools in Tanzania" education abroad program and mHealth projects supporting youth with Type 1 Diabetes. Her work integrates Peace Corps and UN volunteer experience with academic rigor to address real-world challenges through user-driven technological innovation. Dr. Olson mentors ComArtSci students in research presented at events like Mid-SURE 2017, securing grants for projects including rugged computing solutions for African schools and climate adaptation tools for farmers. Her collaborative approach emphasizes community partnership in technology design across agricultural and health domains.

• Climate Change
• Information and Communications Technology for Development
• Human Centered Design
• +3 more

Carleen Maitland is an Associate Professor of Information Sciences and Technology at The Pennsylvania State University and Co-director of the Institute for Information Policy. She holds a Ph.D. from Delft University of Technology, an M.S. from Stanford University, and a B.S. from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Her research focuses on humanitarian information systems, refugee studies, and digital connectivity in marginalized communities. Key themes include the intersection of technology with displacement, migration justice, and crisis response. She has extensively studied ICT applications in refugee contexts, including data collection, communication infrastructure, and policy implications. Notable contributions include analyzing digital platform use in refugee crises, exploring trust-building in humanitarian networks, and critiquing colonial impulses in technology development. Her work bridges technical innovation with socio-political dimensions, advocating for equitable technology deployment in vulnerable populations. Maitland’s interdisciplinary approach integrates social informatics, policy analysis, and participatory methodologies. Her articles address challenges such as anxiety management in displaced populations during pandemics, drone technology ethics, and comparative displacement policies between Uganda and Ecuador. Her current roles emphasize institutional leadership in information policy, reflecting her commitment to addressing systemic inequities through technology and governance frameworks.

• Humanitarian Information Systems
• Refugee Studies
• Digital Connectivity
• +5 more