Research Statement


My research goal is to create platforms and networks where local resident groups can collect, make sense of, and disseminate environmental information to address issues of pollution and environmental injustice. I use low-cost sensor technology, social computing systems, and community science frameworks to design and implement projects to document and address environmental harm. Through facilitating workshops on data storytelling and using participatory action research, I follow the priorities of participants and help build their capacity to understand and articulate their demands, infusing their lived experiences with local and regional data. 

My work spans three main lines of research: 
  • designing social computing systems
  • activating community science data
  • youth participatory action research


Designing Social Computing Systems


The use of computing systems for enabling communication has opened many possibilities to understand and organize communities to achieve specific goals of environmental protection and pollution mitigation. In the context of pollution and environmental monitoring, sensors have been used to collect data on different environmental metrics like air quality (through PM2.5, VOCs, Ozone, etc.) and water quality (pH, conductivity, etc.). Using frameworks of citizen science or community science1, non-scientists can also be an integral part of the data collection, interpretation, and dissemination process. However, there is still a need to develop social computing systems tailored specifically for environmental monitoring in hyperlocal settings. These systems must not only facilitate reliable data collection but also provide the necessary skills and networks to make the data actionable for change.

One aspect of designing such systems involves understanding the needs, context, and resources of a local community, creating ways of interacting that enable residents to easily access sensor data and contribute their observations. Another key consideration in designing social computing systems for environmental monitoring is ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data collected. This requires implementing quality control measures and calibration procedures for the sensors used, as well as validating the data. These systems should also incorporate features for community engagement, such as discussion forums or social networking functionalities, to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among residents. 

Community engagement is vital for the success of socio-technical systems, yet there is limited understanding of how to attain and sustain community stewardship of such infrastructure, particularly in environmental justice areas where equitable participation is essential2. An exploration of the factors that contribute to successful community stewardship and how they interact within the context of socio-technical infrastructure for community science is currently not well understood in scientific literature. Through investigating the elements that foster community ownership, responsibility, and agency over the infrastructure, my work3 seeks to address a significant knowledge gap and offer insights into creating sustainable and community-driven environmental initiatives.


Activating Community Science Data


Once environmental data has been collected, we need to activate it by making it accessible and meaningful to the broader community. This involves not only presenting the data in an understandable format but also contextualizing it within the local socio-political context. Visualizations, storytelling techniques, and community mapping exercises can help translate raw data into actionable insights that resonate with both residents and policymakers4. My work engages these tools and techniques and re-imagines university resources as community resources to make them more accessible to local residents5.

Recent advancements have highlighted both progress and persisting challenges in this field. On one hand, there has been a notable proliferation of initiatives aimed at democratizing access to environmental data and engaging communities in the process of scientific inquiry. Technologies such as low-cost sensors, mobile applications, and open data platforms have greatly facilitated data collection and dissemination, enabling communities to monitor and address environmental issues with unprecedented granularity. Moreover, there is growing recognition of the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives and local knowledge into the interpretation of data, leading to more nuanced understandings of environmental challenges and potential solutions. However, significant barriers to effective data activation persist, including issues related to data quality and reliability, unequal access to technology and resources, and limited capacity for data interpretation and advocacy within communities. 

Activating community science data requires building partnerships and collaborations with local organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders. In my work, I have worked closely with local advocacy groups to regularly provide updates on air quality trends, local pollution events, and available tools and data for understanding the environment around them. I have also designed, organized, and facilitated data storytelling workshops to build data literacy skills, infuse lived experiences with community science data, and investigate the role of stories in advocacy efforts. I see my work situated within a local community, improving science communication, and helping to build data literacy while providing residents with resources that materially change their exposure to pollution (providing air filters through grants).


Youth Participatory Action Research


Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) is a collaborative approach that engages young people in identifying and researching community issues, leading to action and social change6. Engaging youth in PAR not only builds their scientific literacy and critical thinking skills, but also empowers them to become agents of change in their communities. By involving young people in the process of identifying research questions, collecting and analyzing data, and developing advocacy strategies, we can foster a sense of ownership and agency over environmental issues.


Recent efforts have underscored the transformative potential of engaging young people in grassroots environmental activism. Recognizing the unique perspectives and energy that youth bring to the table, there has been a growing emphasis on involving young people in the co-creation of knowledge and the development of solutions to environmental challenges within their communities. This approach not only empowers youth to advocate for environmental justice but also fosters a sense of ownership and stewardship over local ecosystems. Moreover, YPAR initiatives have highlighted the importance of intergenerational collaboration and the amplification of youth voices in decision-making processes related to environmental policy and resource management. 

YPAR has the potential to challenge traditional power dynamics and amplify the voices of under-represented groups. My current work focuses on engaging middle and high school students in an environmental justice community, working with them to install air quality monitors and purifiers in their schools, and giving them the necessary information, scaffolding, and autonomy to direct the research agenda. Through this, I aim to introduce them to community science and hands-on educational activities, while examining what structures are necessary for young people to create change in their communities. 


Summary


My research endeavors to support local communities in addressing pollution and environmental injustice through the creation of platforms and networks for environmental data collection, interpretation, and dissemination. By utilizing low-cost sensor technology, socio-technical systems, and community science frameworks, I aim to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and community action. Through workshops on data storytelling and participatory action research, I strive to amplify the voices of residents and build their capacity to advocate for change based on their lived experiences and local data. My work is done with a focus on fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainable community-directed initiatives.



References

  1. Haklay, Mordechai Muki. "Beyond quantification: A role for citizen science and community science in a smart city." In Data and the City, pp. 213-224. Routledge, 2017.
  2. Rohlman, Diana, Samantha Samon, Sarah Allan, Michael Barton, Holly Dixon, Christine Ghetu, Lane Tidwell et al. "Designing equitable, transparent community-engaged disaster research." Citizen science: theory and practice 7, no. 1 (2022).
  3. Viswanathan, Abhishek, Amy Babay, Rosta Farzan et al. “Multi-dimensional Engagement for Richer Hyperlocal Citizen Science Data” (Under Review) Submitted to European Computer Supported Cooperative Work Journal, 2024 
  4. Groulx, Mark, Marie Claire Brisbois, Christopher J. Lemieux, Amanda Winegardner, and LeeAnn Fishback. "A role for nature-based citizen science in promoting individual and collective climate change action? A systematic review of learning outcomes." Science Communication 39, no. 1 (2017): 45-76.
  5. Viswanathan, Abhishek, Amy Babay, and Rosta Farzan. "Enriching Citizen-Science with Data Storytelling Workshops." D-scholarship @ University of Pittsburgh (2022).
  6. Anyon, Yolanda, Kimberly Bender, Heather Kennedy, and Jonah Dechants. "A systematic review of youth participatory action research (YPAR) in the United States: Methodologies, youth outcomes, and future directions." Health Education & Behavior 45, no. 6 (2018): 865-878.
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