Our Research
Our work is organized around five interconnected research pillars — each one grounded in the communities most affected by gaps in security, privacy, and technological equity.
Privacy & Security for Marginalized Communities
Security and privacy risks are not distributed equally. We study how vulnerable and historically ignored populations experience unique threats — and work to understand, document, and reduce those harms through community-centered research.
Bias, Fairness & Representation in AI/ML
AI and machine learning systems often fail hardest for the communities least equipped to push back. We investigate where these failures occur, why they persist, and how to build systems that are more equitable by design.
AI, Cognition & Human Decision-Making
As AI becomes embedded in consequential decisions, we study how it reshapes human judgment, attention, and cognitive load — particularly in high-stakes and safety-critical environments.
Tech Policy & Civic Technology
Research only goes so far without policy. We study the intersection of technology and law — examining how policy shapes who is protected, who is exposed, and who gets left out entirely.
Community Engagement & Technology Education
Ujima means collective work and responsibility — and we take that literally. We don't just study communities; we build with them. From youth coding programs to tools that support nonprofits and educators, this pillar is where research meets action.
Beyond Our Current Scope
Our five pillars represent where we are — not the limits of where we're willing to go. If your work touches security, privacy, equity, or technology's impact on people, we want to hear from you.