Research Overview
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the data they generate, transfer, and manage hold remarkable potential to foster social and economic development—if managed effectively. My research is designed to enhance that potential. Through empirical investigations of ICT and data systems in international organizations and marginalized communities, I develop theories and recommendations to benefit humanitarian relief and international development.
Current Projects
United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland
My recent projects include:
- Data aggregation in refugee crisis response platforms in Latin America and Uganda (Fulbright Global Scholar grant).
- Measuring relief and development coherence in refugee crisis response (in collaboration with the U.S. State Department).
- IoT and related data systems in Rwanda (NSF IRES grant).
The first two projects fall under the ICTs & Refugees initiative, while the third is detailed on the IoTs in Rwanda page.
ICTs & Refugees
Za’atari Camp, Jordan L to R: Paul, me, Karen, Danny, Ying and Brian
Refugees are among the world’s most vulnerable populations, yet adversity often fosters resilience and innovation. Our research explores how ICTs can improve refugee lives and enhance service provider operations. Key questions include:
- How does refugee use of IT evolve across the refugee life cycle?
- Can IT-based systems improve both operational efficiency and refugee well-being?
- How can humanitarian and development systems align for greater efficiency?
- What harms might these technologies cause, and how does gender influence outcomes?
- What innovative technologies can support camp-based and urban refugees?
- How can data and communication strengthen community development?
This work is supported by NSF, UNHCR, and the U.S. State Department. See the ICTs & Refugees page for more details.
Indigenous Technology and TribalNet
Native American and other indigenous communities remain among the least connected groups in the U.S. and globally. As ICT adoption expands, our research examines:
- How indigenous perspectives shape technology deployment and use.
- How conventional IT design practices influence indigenous views on ICTs.
Funded by the National Science Foundation. See the TribalNet page for details.
ICT Incubators and Economic Growth
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Doctoral student Eric Obeysekare’s dissertation research, supported by a Fulbright Fellowship, investigates ICT incubators in Rwanda. His work combines Boundary Object and Institutional Theory to examine incubators’ roles in ICT entrepreneurship. Rather than focusing solely on success factors, Eric explores whether incubators provide less obvious but positive effects and introduces a novel boundary institution theory.
Big Data and Ebola
This project critically examines claims about Big Data’s role in predicting and controlling Ebola outbreaks. Our goals:
- Separate hype from reality regarding Big Data’s potential.
- Identify domains where Big Data can be effective.
- Improve communication between data scientists and humanitarian responders.
- Analyze how multi-level governance influences these connections.
Funded by the National Science Foundation.
MOOCs in STEM Education
Our research investigates motivations and experiences of STEM MOOC students in developing countries, beginning with Penn State’s Maps and the Geospatial Revolution MOOC. Findings informed course design and highlighted diverse motivations—from career advancement to personal growth.
Subsequent work examined the State Department’s MOOC Camp program, with results presented at the ACM ICTD2015 Conference in Singapore. Funded by Penn State’s Center for Online Innovation in Learning (COIL).
GIS Use in International Development
GIS and mapping are increasingly used in development organizations, yet adoption varies widely. Our research explores factors enabling advanced geospatial analysis and the role of multi-level governance.
A preliminary study of GIS use by USAID partners and UN organizations in the West Bank is underway, supported by Penn State’s Social Science Research Institute (SSRI).
Coordination in Humanitarian Relief
This research examines coordination of information management and ICT deployments among NGOs and IGOs during disaster relief. Collaborators include colleagues from Penn State and the University of Washington.
Additional Research Areas
- Inter-organizational relations in global supply chains (with Penn State, IBM, and international partners).
- Regionalization in wireless telecommunications policy (examining the influence of regional bodies like the EU and Mercosur).
Publications and Book
My work on ICTs and displacement culminated in the book:
Maitland, C. F. (Ed.) Digital Lifeline? ICTs for Refugees and the Displaced (MIT Press, 2018)
Praised for its interdisciplinary approach and balanced perspective, the book has been reviewed in leading journals, including the Journal of Refugee Studies and Information, Communication & Society.