Mike Rayo will introduce Computational Ethnography, which enhances the reach, representativeness, and depth of societal-scale research. He is leading a multidisciplinary team at Ohio State to develop computationally-assisted methods for data collection, analysis, and community impact. These efforts will be carried out by multi-faceted teams that integrate researchers, stakeholders, and computational tools like AI/ML, ensuring that community voices are central to both the research process and its outcomes. Computational ethnography addresses challenges such as bias, sustaining community engagement, and the transparency of computational models while exploring wicked problems like misinformation and responsible AI. Computational ethnography has the potential to transform social science research by making it more inclusive, participatory, and impactful.
The weekly Wicked Hour is for all who are interested in wicked problems / science / students. It is an opportunity to discuss work in progress, brainstorm ideas, and connect with other wicked buckeyes and professionals at Ohio State and beyond. Students, staff, faculty, alumni, and professionals interested in wicked problems and science are welcome to join this informal group on Mondays from 1 to 2 pm in 4094 Smith Laboratory. If you want to join by zoom, please email Dr. Mark Moritz at moritz.42@osu.edu.
