Research Groups: Institutes, Labs and Centers

Knowledge Media Design Institute (KMDI)

The Knowledge Media Design Institute is dedicated to exploring the complex relationships between information, technology and society, with the aim of advancing social justice through human-centered design. The KMDI’s research portfolio includes action research projects, cross-sector collaborations, and community outreach initiatives. Its affiliated Labs and projects explore the various social, cultural, ethical, and political implications of technological artifacts and systems, from 3D printers and game consoles, to social media platforms and environmental data infrastructures.

Affiliated faculty members

Mary Elizabeth Luka

Associate Professor

Priyank Chandra

Assistant Professor

Sara Grimes

Professor

Matt Ratto

Professor

Recent News

PhD student Jul Parke dressed as an influencer

Woman of influence and PhD student

Jul Jeonghyun Parke tracks social media’s virtual influencers for her PhD thesis. Not only does she check in regularly on the ubiquitous online activities of figures like Shudu, Rozy and Lil Miquela, she also keeps tabs on what their creators are up to. Her research documents both how these non-human influencers have come to wield […]

Naloxone kit with nasal spray dose

Learning how to treat opiod overdoses

The Faculty of Information is leading the way in Canada by offering training in drug overdose identification and response for library students. In its Communities and Values (INF1322H) course, a required course taken by hundreds of students, teaching assistant and PhD candidate Atticus Hawk provides training in response and de-escalation as well as how to administer […]

Queer Data Studies Edited by Patrick Keilty

Prof Keilty’s new book unpacks how data shapes and reflects queer realities

In Associate Professor Patrick Keilty’s new book Queer Data Studies, he argues that as anti-queer policies from big tech companies increase, alongside the over-policing of queer people and people of color, and growing digital surveillance at borders, it’s more important than ever to examine our data practices through a queer lens. Patrick Keilty, Associate Professor […]

Michelle Alexopoulos Headshot

Prof Alexopoulos named Bank of Canada External Deputy Governor

The Bank of Canada has appointed Dr. Michelle Alexopoulos, Professor of Economics with a cross appointment to the Faculty of Information, to the role of external Deputy Governor. Professor Alexopoulos, is the second external Deputy Governor to join the central bank’s Governing Council. The Bank of Canada created this role to bring a greater diversity of perspectives to […]