Research Roundup

University of Michigan School of Information faculty and PhD students are creating and sharing knowledge that helps build a better world. Here are some of their recent publications.

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UMSI Research. Embodied or Virtually Represented. Navigating the Embodiment Debate in Human-robot interaction. UMSI researchers Connor Esterwood, Xin Ye, Ruijia Guan, Lionel Peter Robert

Do robots need bodies? UMSI researchers say it depends

05/27/2026

In a new paper, UMSI researchers argue virtual robots can be valid tools for studying human-robot interaction, but only when matched to the right research questions.

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What does it take to get non-consensual nudity removed online? UMSI research finds legal pressure matters

05/19/2026

New research co-authored by UMSI finds platforms ignore many non–consensual nudity reports filed through internal systems, but respond quickly when the same content is reported as copyright infringement.

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2026 Andrew Carnegie Fellow. Ceren Budak. Associate Professor.

Ceren Budak earns 2026 Andrew Carnegie Fellowship

05/08/2026

Budak is one of 24 scholars to receive a $200,000 research stipend to explore the causes of political polarization and to identify possible solutions.

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Can a tweet become a job offer? UMSI research suggests yes

05/05/2026

UMSI research shows social media amplification drives visibility, more campus visits and job offers for early-career researchers, with outsized benefits for women.

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UMSI research. Aspiring towards decency: Collectively and creatively appropriating information communication technology in Havana. Sylvia Darling Postdoctoral research fellow. Michaelanne Thomas, assistant professor.

From scarcity to solidarity: How Cubans creatively access and share digital technology

05/04/2026

New UMSI research examines how people in Havana, Cuba appropriate smartphones and internet access amid persistent economic constraints.

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UMSI at CHI 2026. April 13-17 2026. Barcelona, Spain. umsi.info/news

More than 50 UMSI researchers to present at CHI 2026 in Barcelona, Spain

04/10/2026

UMSI research and workshops for the 2026 Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI).

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What's in your cart? New tech helps shoppers make healthier, affordable food choices

04/09/2026

A tool co-developed by Tawanna Dillahunt uses real-time pricing and nutrition data to help shoppers balance cost, health and personal preferences.

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UMSI Research Roundup. Authentic Listening. Emotional Connection. Check out UMSI faculty and PhD student publications.

Authentic Listening | Emotional Connection: UMSI Research Roundup

03/30/2026

Recent UMSI faculty and PhD student publications.

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Focus on AI: Closing the Loop

03/30/2026

UMSI research on artificial intelligence.

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Four researchers in white lab coats stand together in a laboratory, looking at a computer screen and equipment on a bench.

Jiayu Zhou helps develop new AI method for drug discovery

03/19/2026

A new study co-authored by UMSI associate professor Jiayu Zhou and led by Michigan State University demonstrates how AI can accelerate drug discovery for hard-to-treat diseases.

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