Background
My research and teaching focus on the intersection of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and communication policy/ethics. I worked for several years at a listener-programmed radio station (Radio Free Hawaiʻi) that sought to “revolutionize the airwaves” and return them to the people, rather than commercial interests. Later, at the Center of Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance, I used ICTs to advance disaster management and peacekeeping efforts in the Pacific. These experiences led me to focus on citizen empowerment and reducing the potential discriminatory impacts of information technology systems, while maximizing their benefit for the public good. I have broad interest and experience in the area of communication technology for societal good (happy to chat about your related project).
Education
- PhD, Communication and Information Sciences, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, 2003
- MLIS, Library and Information Sciences, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, 1996
- BA, Religious Studies (Asia), Philosophy (minor), Occidental College, 1991
Specializations
Internet ethics and policy; Big Data and artificial intelligence (AI) governance; strategic communication in the public interest; information and communication technology for development (ICTD); and social media platforms.
Research
My research addresses data governance, policy, and ethics related to big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). I explore how we can harness health data resources for societal good, including the governance of AI and personal health information (PHI) for AI/machine learning innovations in healthcare. My research interests also include communication rights and ethics associated with the global expansion of the Internet and the governance of social media platforms to foster democratic discourse and constructive political action. My work has been funded by the National Science Foundation. I am Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society and Co-Chair of the Research Committee at the Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC).