Dr. Dan Pittman – Research Opportunities

C3 Lab – Student Research Opportunities

Introduction

The Community-Centered Computing Lab (C3 Lab), co-directed by Dr. Daniel Pittman and Dr. Ranjidha Rajan, offers hands-on research opportunities for students interested in data science, artificial intelligence, human-centered computing, and full-stack software development. Students in the C3 Lab work on real-world production systems that serve Colorado communities, statewide educational ecosystems, and MSU Denver’s campus. Research positions provide mentorship, technical experience, portfolio-building projects, and the chance to contribute to federally and state funded initiatives.

During Spring 2026, the C3 Lab anticipates hiring 5 to 7 student researchers, and during Summer 2026 we expect to hire 10 to 11 full-time paid student researchers across the projects below.

Project One: Sustainability Hub

Description of the Project

The Sustainability Hub is an NSF-funded statewide digital platform that integrates sustainability and well-being data from across Colorado. The platform uses natural language interfaces, geospatial systems, and modern data engineering to make complex environmental and social data easier for communities, policymakers, researchers, and educators to explore and understand. Students contribute to building Bili, an AI-powered natural language assistant; developing the Sustainability Hub’s React-based interface; integrating geospatial and relational datasets; and supporting data cataloging, processing, and metadata development.

Real-World Applications

• Statewide sustainability and well-being data to support local planning and policy
• AI-powered natural language tools for exploring environmental and economic conditions
• Public data infrastructure used by communities, educators, and researchers
• GIS and geospatial data for environmental monitoring and regional planning

Helpful Skills

• Python for data processing and machine learning
• React or modern front-end web development
• SQL, PostGIS, or geospatial tools (QGIS, ArcGIS)
• Experience with LangChain, LangGraph, or AI/LLM projects
• Strong interest in sustainability, community data, or human-centered AI

Expected Student Positions

• Spring 2026: 2–3 student researchers
• Summer 2026: 4 full-time, 10-week student researchers

Project Two: RILE Connect

Description of the Project

RILE Connect is a statewide STEM mentorship and opportunity-matching platform funded through the Colorado SIPA GovGrants Program. The platform modernizes Colorado’s existing coordination system by replacing spreadsheet-based workflows with a secure, scalable cloud application. Students will help design and build the Flutter mobile app, the React-based web interface, and the AWS backend. They will also support data-driven mentorship matching, API development, and user-centered design for educators, students, and nonprofit partners across Colorado.

Real-World Applications

• Technology that supports statewide STEM education infrastructure
• Matching students to mentors, internships, and learning opportunities
• Scalable cloud-based civic technology supporting schools and organizations
• Data analytics used for workforce preparation and STEM ecosystem planning

Helpful Skills

• Flutter or React development
• Python, TypeScript, or JavaScript
• Cloud computing concepts (AWS preferred)
• API design, data integration, or database experience
• Interest in education technology or community informatics

Expected Student Positions

• Spring 2026: 2 student researchers
• Summer 2026: 4 full-time, 10-week student researchers

Project Three: Roadrunner Connect

Description of the Project

Roadrunner Connect is a student-built mobile and web application that supports campus-wide engagement at MSU Denver. The platform aggregates academic, cultural, athletic, and student-life events into an interactive interface with features such as gamification, social interaction, and event discovery. Students work on production-level mobile and web development in Flutter and React, contribute to AWS Lambda and MongoDB backend services, improve UI/UX design, and support new campus engagement features.

Real-World Applications

• A live production app used by MSU Denver students, staff, faculty, and alumni
• Mobile and web development deployed at university scale
• Event discovery, campus navigation, and real-time data integration
• Features supporting MSU Denver’s 2030 Strategic Plan for community engagement

Helpful Skills

• Flutter and Dart
• React, Node.js, or JavaScript
• MongoDB, AWS Lambda, or cloud computing knowledge
• UI/UX or mobile interface design
• Interest in product development, gamification, and user engagement

Expected Student Positions

• Spring 2026: 1–2 student researchers
• Summer 2026: 2–3 full-time, 10-week student researchers

Visit C3 Lab to learn more!

Please email [email protected] if you are interested in any of these.