Catherine Brooks

Catherine Brooks (PhD, University of California) is a professor and the College of Information Science's interim dean. She served as the College of Information Science's associate director from 2016-2018 and director from 2019-2023 and is currently the interim dean. She was also the founder of the College of Information Science's research Center for Digital Society and Data Studies.

Her primary research interest focuses on day-to-day language use in social contexts. She is most interested in the instructional or social uses of communication technologies; the varied opportunities for the co-construction of knowledge, relationships and identities; as well as new possibilities for science communication. Her research works across disciplinary boundaries and draws on a variety of academic traditions and methodologies. She teaches courses that focus on social media, information policy issues and human encounters with new technologies. Alongside her scholarly work, she has published in outlets such as Scientific American and Wired.