Introduction to the CSST Summer Institute

The School of Communication and Information at Rutgers University is hosting the CSST Summer Institute, a program designed to support late-phase doctoral students, post-docs, and early career emerging scholars in the socio-technical systems, social informatics, and critical informatics research domains.

Program Details

The CSST Summer Institute will take place from June 18-22, 2019, at the Rutgers University Inn and Conference Center, located near New York City, Newark Airport, and other major transportation hubs. The event is co-organized by LIS professor Rebecca Reynolds and Dr. Morgan Ames of UC-Berkeley.

Research Areas

The institute focuses on various topics and problem domains in socio-technical systems research, including:

• Personal health and well-being
• Open innovation, eScience, and citizen science
• Co-production, open source, and new forms of work
• Cultural heritage and information access
• Energy management and climate change
• Civic hacking, engagement, and government
• Disaster response
• Cybersecurity, surveillance, and privacy
• Education and learning

Critical Informatics

This year, the institute is also highlighting and inviting submissions from those whose research resides in the area of critical informatics, which considers and/or applies the role of cultural factors in the study of socio-technical systems research and design. This includes research that addresses questions of:

• Inequality
• Inclusion
• Corporate infrastructure policy and responsibility
• Political and activist engagement, participation, action, and design from socio-technical and critical informatics perspectives

Mentors

The following scholars have committed to serving as mentors for the 2019 CSST Summer Institute:

• Cecilia Aragon (University of Washington)
• Mako Hill (University of Washington)
• James Howison (University of Texas Austin)
• Cliff Lampe (University of Michigan)
• Alice Marwick (UNC-Chapel Hill)
• Helena Mentis (University of Maryland Baltimore County)
• Britt Paris (Rutgers University)
• David Ribes (University of Washington)
• Bryan Semaan (Syracuse University)
• Charles Senteio (Rutgers University)
• Janet Vertesi (Princeton University)
• Susan Winter (University of Maryland)
• Lana Yarosh (University of Minnesota)

Funding and Sponsorship

The event is funded by a generous grant from the NSF and is ACM SIGCHI Sponsored, with additional support from Rutgers University, University of Missouri, and Syracuse University.

Application Deadline

The deadline for emerging scholar applications is March 31, 2019.

Simmons University

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Overview:

Simmons University is a private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is known for its focus on women's leadership and its commitment to social justice. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including online options, and is recognized for its real-world learning opportunities and integrated career advising.

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Services Offered:

Simmons University provides a variety of services to its students, including:

Academic Advising:

Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.

Campus Dining:

A variety of dining options on campus.

Community Engagement:

Opportunities for students to engage in social justice initiatives and community service.

Student Support & Resources:

A range of resources to support student success, including academic support, counseling, and health services.

Library:

Access to a comprehensive library with extensive resources.

Athletics:

A variety of athletic programs and opportunities for students to participate in sports.

Events:

A calendar of events and activities for students to participate in.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Simmons University offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can expect:

A small college feel:

A close-knit campus community with a focus on student support and engagement.

A dynamic city location:

Located in the heart of Boston, students have access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.

Real-world learning opportunities:

Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.

A commitment to inclusivity:

A welcoming and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Real-world learning:

Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.

Integrated career advising:

Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.

Accelerated graduate programs:

Shorten the time to a graduate degree with accelerated undergraduate to graduate programs.

Location in Boston:

Access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.

Commitment to social justice:

A focus on women's leadership and social justice initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Simmons University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate programs:

A variety of majors and minors in fields such as business, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Graduate programs:

Master's and doctoral programs in fields such as business, education, health sciences, law, and social work.

Online programs:

A range of online undergraduate and graduate programs for adult learners.

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Other:

Simmons University has been recognized with the 2024 Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose, which acknowledges its commitment to leadership and the collective public good. The university also has a strong alumni network and offers a variety of resources for alumni to stay connected.