Research Projects
Trust in Context
What do people think about the presence of data centers in their local communities? This study explores how residents in specific geographic locations learn to trust or distrust information about data centers. Using mixed-methods, we examine the formation of trust relations across three local information ecosystems in New England.
Co-PIs: Eric Gordon and Chris Wells
Co-Investigator: Sarah J. Halford
Generative AI for Senior Adults
Using AI chatbots to reduce loneliness and social isolation and promote intergenerational understanding and ethical communication
This project examines how generative AI in the form of chatbots can be designed to enhance technology literacy and mitigate loneliness and social isolation among senior adults.
PI: Yi Grace Ji
On the Porch
A hyperlocal large language model (LLM) for community for community knowledge and representation
Built with the Talbot Norfolk Triangle community in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, this chatbot is a resource for community safety and cohesion. The model, trained on structured 311 and 911 data, policy reports and documents, and hours of community meeting and conversation data, will provide information about what’s happening, what people are thinking about, and what people can do.
PIs: Eric Gordon and Chris LeDantec, in partnership with The Boston Project Ministries
Satellite Mapping Environmental Justice
A resource to measure water quality in New England with satellite imagery
Using cutting-edge, localized satellite data to fill gaps in environmental justice data, so journalists, activists, lawmakers, and concerned citizens can focus their efforts where it matters most.
PI: Brooke Williams
Fossil Fuel Native Advertising Observatory
An interactive dashboard to track narrative trends in sponsored news content
The Native Advertising Observatory, is a robust dataset of 2,500 native ads across nearly a dozen news outlets that will help advocates, journalists, and lawmakers to understand and represent the influence of native advertising on public perceptions of the fossil fuel industry.
PI: Michelle Amazeen