Research & Publications

Research on how communities and institutions can build trustworthy, connected infrastructure—and use evidence to learn, make decisions, and expand opportunity.

Current Research Focus

Knowledge & Learning Infrastructure

Connecting data infrastructure, the DIKW tradition, the Digital Opportunities Compass, community knowledge, and provenance to explore how institutions can learn from evidence and outcomes.

Converged Buildings & Intelligent Infrastructure

Examining how fiber, networks, fault-managed power, DC systems, controls, and computing can be designed as connected infrastructure in buildings and communities.

Digital Opportunity & Community Learning

Using spatial analysis, community context, and the Digital Opportunities Compass to understand local needs, infrastructure, skills, and outcomes.

Workforce & Trustworthy Technology

Exploring workforce pathways for connected infrastructure and the governance, provenance, and accountability needed as AI-enabled systems operate at machine speed.


Recent Research

From Data Infrastructure to Learning Infrastructure

Research Brief • October 2026

Connects DIKW, MiGreatDataLake, the Digital Opportunities Compass, Project Compass, and DOIN in a proposed learning loop that links evidence, understanding, action, and outcomes.

The Converged Building

Research & Writing Series • October 2026

Explores the emerging relationship among fiber, fault-managed power, DC distribution, building systems, workforce, and intelligent infrastructure.

From “Digital Electricity” to Class 4 Fault-Managed Power

Research Note • Updated October 2026

Reviews how Class 4 fault-managed power has evolved from a vendor-specific proposition into a broader standards-based infrastructure category.

Stop Training Low-Voltage Installers. Start Training Connected Infrastructure Technicians.

Workforce Development • October 2026

Makes the case for an entry-level workforce pathway spanning connectivity, power, controls, and cybersecurity.

Recent essays extend this work into AI governance and trust:

The Problem Was Never AI. It Was Always Trust at Machine Speed.

Examines how governance, accountability, and human intent must keep pace with increasingly autonomous software.


Research Categories

📊 Data Science & Analytics

Domain-Specific Performance: DuckDB Extensions & Bayesian Networks

Technical Analysis • 2025

Comprehensive evaluation of DuckDB spatial/inet extensions, DuckLake table format, and Bayesian network inference efficiency.

Spatial Analytics with Sedona & Neo4j

Technical Note • Spatial Computing

Integration patterns for geospatial data processing and graph analytics.

XArray for Multi-dimensional Data Analysis

Technical Note • Data Processing

Advanced techniques for handling multi-dimensional scientific datasets.

🏘️ Digital Equity & Community Development

OSMnx Urban Network Analysis for Digital Equity

Research Plan • 2025

Integrating street network topology and urban morphology analysis with broadband infrastructure planning to advance digital equity in rural communities.

Digital Navigation & Maslow's Hierarchy

Research Note • Community Development

Examining the intersection of digital accessibility and human needs hierarchy in community development contexts.

Finding the Digital Divide

Research Note • Digital Equity

Spatial analysis approaches to identifying and addressing connectivity gaps in rural communities.

🌾 Technology & Agriculture

Blockchain Applications in Agriculture

Research Note • Emerging Technology

Exploring distributed ledger technologies for agricultural supply chain and data management.

📚 Educational Technology

Technology as Amplifier in Education

Research Note • EdTech Theory

Analysis of Toyama's framework for understanding technology's role in educational transformation.

Computational Thinking & Learning

Research Note • Pedagogy

Frameworks for integrating computational thinking into educational curricula.


Research Methods & Tools

🔬 Methodological Approaches

  • Spatial Analytics: GIS, network analysis, and geospatial data science
  • Statistical Modeling: Bayesian inference, machine learning, and predictive analytics
  • Systems Analysis: Performance evaluation, comparative studies, and technical benchmarking
  • Community-Based Research: Participatory methods and stakeholder engagement

🛠️ Technical Stack

  • Data Processing: Python, R, DuckDB, Apache Sedona, Neo4j
  • Spatial Analysis: PostGIS, GDAL, GeoPandas, Spatial SQL
  • Visualization: Interactive maps, statistical graphics, network diagrams
  • Infrastructure: Cloud computing, distributed systems, database optimization

Collaboration & Impact

🤝 Research Partnerships

  • EUPConnect Collaborative: Regional broadband and digital equity initiatives
  • Michigan Data Hubs: Statewide education data systems and analytics
  • Academic Collaborations: University partnerships and research networks

📈 Community Impact

  • Policy Analysis: Data-driven recommendations for regional development
  • Capacity Building: Training programs for rural technology adoption
  • Open Research: Publicly available datasets and reproducible analysis

Recent Presentations & Recognition

  • Michigan State University Distinguished Partnership Award (2022) - Community-Engaged Service
  • METL Network Alumni - Michigan Educational Technology Leadership
  • Microsoft Legislative Summit Speaker (2014) - Selected presenter on educational technology

Get Involved

Research Collaboration

Interested in collaborating on spatial data analysis, smart infrastructure research, or educational technology projects? I’m always open to exploring new partnerships and interdisciplinary research opportunities.

Contact for Research Inquiries

Areas of Interest for Collaboration

  • Spatial data applications in community development
  • Smart building and energy efficiency research
  • Educational technology and knowledge graph applications
  • Rural broadband and digital equity analysis
  • Open data initiatives and reproducible research

Research is most impactful when it bridges theory and practice, connecting rigorous analysis with real-world applications that benefit communities and advance knowledge.