Matthew Bui

Matthew Bui is an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan School of Information and the Digital Studies Institute within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. He directs the Race and Data (RAD) Justice Lab and co-organizes the Urban Tech Collective. His research focuses on data-driven racial and social justice, exploring methodologies for digital resistance and equitable platform use. Bui holds a PhD from the University of Southern California and has affiliations with NYU's Center for Critical Race and Digital Studies.

Education

• PhD & MA, Annenberg School for Communication, University of Southern California
• Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technologies, USC
• MSc, Media and Communication (Research), London School of Economics
• BA, Communication, UCLA

Research Interests
Bui’s work bridges critical data studies, racial justice activism, and urban data governance. He examines how digital platforms amplify racial and class inequalities while advocating for community-driven solutions. His book Appetite for Data critiques platform capitalism’s impact on marginalized communities. Recent studies include platform interventions affecting Black-owned businesses and algorithmic bias in social media.

Grants & Recognition

• Funded by Annenberg, Benton, Democracy, Kauffman, and Urban Communication Foundations
• Recognized by IAMCR and TPRC for research excellence

Labs & Initiatives
The RAD Justice Lab develops frameworks for data equity, while the Urban Tech Collective explores community-centric urban governance. Bui’s work emphasizes solidarity practices and digital activism to counter systemic inequities.