University of Maryland

Featured Student: Jonathan Brier – PhD iSchool

Jonathan Brier is a Ph.D. student in the College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland. Advised by Brian Butler and Susan Winter. His research covers the evaluation, development, and evolution of cyberinfrastructure and online communities. Jonathan earned a M.S. in Information from the University of Michigan in 2012 focused on social computing and a B.S. in Media and Communication Technologies from Michigan State University in 2010.

Tell us about your Research Interests

Jonathan’s research interests span multiple domains, but currently, he is focused on the evaluation of the sustainability of online communities in the domain of citizen science.

What has been your favorite part of being a student in the HCIL?

The HCIL community is incredible, and interactions with the other members help me to look at and think about my research in new ways. The community is strong and continues to strengthen each other’s ideas by being critical as well as constructive in ways that make us think harder and create clearer more complete research. That is why I joined the HCIL.

Do you have any advice for students interested in studying HCIL at UMD?

Don’t hesitate to reach out via email, social media, or other method to someone with interests you find close to yours or completely different. We’re happy to talk, brainstorm, or help find someone who has the time when we’re busy.