C3 Lab

Community-Centered Computing Lab

A research lab in the Department of Computer Sciences at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Our Mission

Designing and building technologies that support communities through accessible data systems, applied AI, and user-centered computing.

The C3 Lab supports research and development projects that create technology for communities, including statewide data platforms, conversational AI systems, STEM ecosystem tools, and campus engagement applications.

Our work emphasizes human-centered computing, applied AI, LLM-driven interfaces, data engineering, geospatial integration, and accessible design.

Students in the C3 Lab work on production software systems, contribute to federal and state-funded research, and help build platforms that directly benefit Colorado communities and MSU Denver.

Current Projects

Research initiatives serving Colorado communities

Colorado Sustainability Hub

NSF Award #2318730

A statewide sustainability-data platform integrating AI, geospatial systems, and natural language interaction. Features Bili, an AI-powered assistant for exploring Colorado's environmental data.

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RILE Connect

SIPA GovGrants

A statewide STEM mentorship and opportunity-matching platform connecting K-12 schools, higher education, nonprofits, and industry partners across Colorado.

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Roadrunner Connect

MSU Denver

MSU Denver's all-in-one platform for campus event discovery and engagement, featuring map-based browsing, check-ins, and a feather rewards system. Built by students, for the community.

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Peer Support Hub

MSU Denver

A unified platform for coordinating SI, TA, and LA peer support programs at MSU Denver. Streamlines faculty applications and improves equitable distribution of peer support resources.

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Lab Directors

Dr. Daniel Pittman

Dr. Daniel Pittman

Co-Director

Associate Professor, Computer Sciences

Research focus: Data Science, Machine Learning, Large Language Models, Human-Computer Interaction

Dr. Ranjidha Rajan

Dr. Ranjidha Rajan

Co-Director

Assistant Professor, Computer Sciences

Research focus: AI for Good, Civic Technology, Human-Centered Computing, Learning Analytics

Meet Our Team

Latest Updates

January 09, 2026

Sustainability Hub Featured in RED Magazine

The Colorado Sustainability Hub and its AI-powered assistant Bili were featured in MSU Denver’s RED Magazine in an article titled “Questions about the environment? Bili may have answers.”

View All Updates

Join the C3 Lab

Work on real projects that impact Colorado communities

We welcome students from Computer Science, Data Science and Machine Learning, and Computer Security programs who are interested in applied research with community impact.

Students in the C3 Lab work on production software systems, contribute to federal and state-funded research, and help build platforms that directly benefit Colorado communities.

Express Interest in Joining