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College of Information and Communications

College of Information and Communications

Research and Creative Scholarship

Research is not just something professors do in their spare time. It’s a vital part of what we do to ensure that what we teach is timely and relevant. Much of our research is interdisciplinary, drawing our two schools together and linking them to others across the university.  A majority of the CIC research and creative scholarship focus on the following three areas.

Leveraging Emerging Technologies

One focus of the CIC research is on emerging information technologies, which are at the forefront of information science and communication. Our faculty primarily study the human aspects of these technologies, aiming to leverage them for prosocial purposes. For example, some faculty investigate cognitive biases related to artificial intelligence (AI) and study AI ethics. Others focus on augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies, applying them to training and education in library science, as well as combating systemic inequities in the digital environment. 

Empowering Communities

Another focus of the CIC research on empowering communities. For instance, some faculty members investigate the information practices of communities, while others explore the use of social media for communities and their representation in media. A significant portion of our research aimed at empowering communities is conducted with a focus on fairness, accessibility, and engagement. This approach ensures that our work addresses the essential needs of various communities. 

Facilitating Informed Decisions

A significant portion of CIC research empowers the public to make informed decisions across various informational and communication contexts. This includes, but is not limited to, health literacy and health communication, information dissemination and usage, risk communication, science communication, advertising and public relations, visual communication, and organizational communication. By addressing these diverse areas, our research aims to enhance people’s decision-making processes in both personal and professional spheres. Ensuring information integrity is also a crucial aspect of this research focus.

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Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

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