Principal investigator (with Peter Muhlberger and Robert Cavalier) on project to develop video, audio, and text-based freeware tools that could permit any community to educate itself on complex issues, both through collaboratively sharing information and through structured discussion that can relay information and ideas among large numbers of people. The project will include an extensive multidisciplinary program of research to identify the factors that contribute to effective community engagement and individual empowerment through computer-mediated communication. The research seeks also to clarify the individual, social, and political consequences of collaborative IT, particularly on communication and decision-making processes. Funded by the National Science Foundation.

Originator and Project Director for interdisciplinary study designed to identify most effective means of deploying web-based information technology to enable ordinary citizens to become more active participants in democratic society. Using Allegheny County as its test area, project seeks to help determine the conditions under which new information technologies can promote political engagement. Funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation (with survey research supported by the Markle Foundation).

Co-Principal Investigator (with Peter Muhlberger) for partnership with the Pittsburgh Public School System to develop on-line local history curriculum and city-wide on-line dialogue among high school students on civic projects to improve Pittsburgh’s attractiveness to young adults. Funded by the Grable Foundation.