Rich Gazan

Rich Gazan is a Professor and Program Director in the Library and Information Science (LIS) program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. His career spans diverse roles, including librarian, journalist, and academic, with a focus on connecting people, ideas, and information. He holds a PhD from UCLA (2004), an MLISc from UH Mānoa (1998), and a BA in Sociology from UC Berkeley (1987).

His research emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, online communities, and scientometrics. Notable projects include analyzing astrobiology research networks with NASA and developing tools to visualize interdisciplinary document flows. He explores how individuals from different disciplines or online communities reconcile conflicting information and collaborate effectively.

Gazan’s work extends to social Q&A platforms, digital library design, and combating online sex trafficking through data analysis. His recent studies include knowledge graph design for PhD students and participatory learning frameworks in STEM education.

His research trends focus on bridging gaps in interdisciplinary communication, leveraging digital tools for social good, and improving online community governance. Grants and collaborations include NASA-funded projects and interdisciplinary initiatives at UH.

Labs/Teams: Collaborations include the NASA Astrobiology Institute and AIRFrame project for integrating astrobiological data. He mentors through UH’s LIS program, emphasizing practical applications of information science.