Gabriel Gomez

Gabriel Gomez is a Professor in the Department of Information Studies within the College of Arts & Sciences at Chicago State University. His work bridges library science, social justice, and digital culture, with a strong emphasis on LGBTQ history and the societal implications of big data. He holds a Ph.D. and MA from Northwestern University and a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

• Ph.D., Northwestern University
• MA, Northwestern University
• BFA, School of the Art Institute of Chicago

His research centers on the cultural impact of data, information literacy, and LGBTQ education and history. He critically examines how big data shapes human behavior, challenges empowerment through information literacy, and promotes inclusive narratives through public history projects like The Legacy Project. His interdisciplinary approach connects library science with critical theory, museum studies, and social justice advocacy.

The recent publications reveal a consistent focus on big data ethics, information behavior, and LGBTQ representation. His work interrogates the instrumentalist views of data, advocates for ethical information practices, and documents marginalized histories. He frequently explores how digital tools can either reinforce or challenge power structures in education and society.

Scientific awards and recognitions include:

• 2024 Spring CHICAGO STATE RESEARCH CUES AWARD
• 2018–2020 Fulbright Specialist Award (New Delhi, India)
• 2017 Faculty Excellence Award
• 2014 Professional Advancement Increase (PAI) Award
• 2013 Center for Teaching and Research Excellence Grant
• 2007 Dean’s Professional Development Award
• 2005 Fulbright Lecturer Award (Aligarh Muslim University, India)

Gomez has secured multiple grants supporting research in information literacy, LGBTQ history, and data mining in education. He has collaborated with institutions internationally, including the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-NISCAIR in India, and has contributed to accreditation frameworks in library education. His advising may involve students in public history, digital curation, and social justice projects, though specific advisees are not listed.

He is a key figure in The Legacy Project, an initiative creating permanent outdoor exhibits of LGBTQ history, demonstrating his commitment to community-based scholarship and public engagement. This project connects museum advocacy with education and role model visibility, serving as a living archive of LGBTQ contributions.