National Day of Civic Hacking is Sept. 18

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — September 18 is the National Day of Civic Hacking, when thousands of people across the country use their technology, design and innovation skills to help strengthen communities. For researchers in the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST), every day is dedicated to using technology for social good.

Faculty and students across the college are developing responsible technology and artificial intelligence (AI) that address real-world problems with practical impact. They’re creating insights that help guide policy and community interventions.

Improving maternal health, supporting housing and behavioral health services, protecting vulnerable ecosystems

Amulya Yadav, associate professor in the College of IST, directs the Responsible Artificial Intelligence for Social Emancipation (RAISE) Lab. Their work centers around using AI and related computational methods to address real-world social problems. The lab collaborates closely with experts in public health, social work, conservation, public safety and more.

The lab’s projects have included improving tele-triage systems for pregnant women in Kenya; bringing data-driven insights to decisions about how to prioritize housing and behavioral health services for individuals and families; and developing algorithms and AI tools that help protect wildlife.

“Technology and innovation can be powerful tools for social good, but only when they are built responsibly — with attention not just to what an algorithm can do but also to what it should do,” Yadav said. “By combining rigorous AI methods with domain knowledge and community-centered design, we can address pressing challenges in ways that are equitable, interpretable and truly impactful.” 

Detecting strokes, analyzing placentas, promoting mental health and well-being

Led by James Wang, distinguished professor of information sciences and technology, the Wang Research Group advances artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision to create practical tools that improve health outcomes and promote social good. Their cross-disciplinary work draws on expertise from medicine, psychology, engineering and the natural and social sciences to ensure the AI-based assessments are accessible and responsive to real-world community needs.

Examples include technology to support faster and more reliable stroke diagnosis in emergency department settings; tech that enables assessment of placental health from photographs to improve maternal and newborn care; and research on the understanding of bodily expressed emotion to promote mental health and well-being.

“By harnessing artificial intelligence and innovation in computer vision, we can open new possibilities for addressing pressing community health challenges,” Wang said. “These real-world problems inspire and guide our technology development, ensuring that our work not only advances the field but also creates lasting impact where it is needed most.”

Understanding technology’s impact on local civic and political engagement

In her lab, Kelley Cotter, assistant professor in the College of IST, and her team explore the social and ethical implications of technologies like social media platforms or algorithmic ad targeting. Some of that work looks at how these technologies shape civic and political engagement and vice versa.

One current project investigates the work of local volunteer moderators of online groups on social media like Nextdoor, Facebook and Reddit. The work explores the roles moderators play in making/enforcing rules, organizing information and creating a safe and welcoming environment — essential civic labor that benefits both their online and offline communities, according to Cotter.

“Technological innovations often solve problems while they simultaneously create new ones,” she said. “While local online groups on social media offered a lifeline for many during the pandemic — helping them stay informed and connected to their local communities — they also are rife with scams, unverified gossip and, at times, hate and uncivil behavior. In the end, technology always requires a human hand to ensure it serves, rather than undermines, democratic values and prosocial collective action.”

Anyone can join developers, scientists and fellow citizens to help strengthen their community through technology. To participate in a National Day of Civic Hacking activity, browse online for events in your area or look for #Hackforchange on social media.