Dr. P. Bryan Heidorn directs the Center for Digital Society and Data Studies in addition to his roles as professor and associate dean for research and graduate academic affairs. With a diverse background in iSchools leadership and information science research, he is passionate about getting information to scientists, policymakers and general citizens worldwide to make informed decisions about our environment.

A recent article in Retrofit magazine highlights how emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and digital twins, are poised to transform the architecture and construction industries. Architect and Senior Lecturer Damon Leverett shares his perspective on the role of AI and data-driven design in reshaping the built environment.

Allison McNally graduated with her BA in Information Science and eSociety and BSBA (Business Management) in 2020. Originally from Tucson, Allison has used the skills gained in her dual degrees to help students thrive in the University of Arizona’s W.A. Franke Honors College.

This past summer, a group of U of A students embarked on a life-changing study abroad experience in the heart of historic Italy. Hosted by the College of Information Science, the five-week program took place in the enchanting hilltop town of Orvieto, where students explored not only the digital world but also the rich cultural tapestry of Italy.

Master of Science in Data Science student Kashyap Sai Prasad Nadendla came to the U of A from Chennai, India, where he earned an undergraduate degree in software engineering. As a student employee at the Institute for Computation and Data-Enabled Insight’s AI Core, he explores the latest advancements in artificial intelligence technology to develop innovative solutions and products

The College of Information Science started the school year with a bang, hosting its inaugural Student Welcome Mixer on September 13. Held in historic Bear Down Gym, the music-filled, Friday afternoon event drew more than 120 undergraduate and graduate students, plus faculty and staff, for an afternoon of fun, connection and community-building. Read more and view our photo gallery.

The College of Information Science will help more students—especially those from historically underrepresented backgrounds—get paid internships in community archives, thanks to a $1 million grant from the Mellon Foundation's Public Knowledge Program managed by InfoSci professors Jamie A. Lee and Berlin Loa.

Dr. Nitika Sharma, an assistant professor of practice, joined the college in Fall 2024 following two postdoctoral fellowships at UCLA. Her research bridges ecology, evolution, mathematics and data. Learn more about Professor Sharma, including her advice to students about data science and public interest.

In the ever-evolving landscape of mobile technology, understanding how users adopt new app versions is crucial for developers. U of A's Xuan Lu has contributed significantly to this field through a collaborative, international study on the adoption of “recurrent innovations,” focusing on mobile app updates.

Dr. Liangming Pan, who holds a PhD in Computer Science from the National University of Singapore, joined the college in fall 2024. His primary research focuses on natural language processing and machine learning—artificial intelligence—and specifically how to build large language models that are logical, truthful and safe. Learn more about our newest assistant professor in this profile.