Jennifer Ekene Dunkwu

Dr Jennifer Ekene Dunkwu is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Social Innovation and Impact, University of Northampton, where she contributes to the PROBable Futures project focused on responsible AI in law enforcement. Her work emphasizes social impact, digital innovation, and participatory research, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in education and equitable technology.

• PhD in Communication, University of Ibadan (awarded 2020)
• MA in Communication, University of Ibadan (awarded 2014)
• Bachelor in Newspaper Advertising, University of Benin (awarded 2011)

Her research explores how digital technologies influence human behavior, social interactions, and youth culture, with fieldwork conducted in Lagos and Ibadan, Nigeria. She has published on topics such as smartphone use during face-to-face interactions, media multitasking, and the influence of music videos on adolescent lifestyles.

The recent publications indicate a strong thematic focus on digital behavior, sociodemographic variables, and media effects, grounded in both qualitative and theoretical frameworks. Her work bridges communication theory, cognitive models, and social innovation, particularly in African urban contexts.

Dr Dunkwu is currently accepting PhD students and actively involved in interdisciplinary research. She has presented her work at invited academic talks, including on participation and power dynamics in AI and data systems.

She has previously held academic and operational roles, including Lecturer at Dominican University Ibadan and project management positions in eLearning. Her current role is research-intensive and contributes to UKRI-funded AI ethics research.

She is active in collaborative research networks and has contributed to projects involving AI, law enforcement, and societal futures, emphasizing inclusive and participatory approaches.