Our Mission
The Community-Centered Computing Lab (C3 Lab) is a research lab in the Department of Computer Sciences at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Co-directed by Dr. Daniel Pittman and Dr. Ranjidha Rajan, the lab supports research and development projects that create technology for communities.
Our mission is to design and deploy computing systems that empower communities by improving access to information, strengthening decision-making, and enabling human-centered interaction with data and AI tools.
Research Focus Areas
Our work spans several interconnected domains:
- Human-Centered Computing - Designing technology that puts users and communities first
- Applied AI & Machine Learning - Building practical AI systems that solve real problems
- LLM-Driven Interfaces - Creating natural language systems for accessible data interaction
- Data Engineering - Developing robust data platforms and pipelines
- Geospatial Integration - Incorporating location-based data and analysis
- Accessible Design - Ensuring technology is usable by diverse populations
Current Initiatives
The lab’s research portfolio includes four major initiatives:
Colorado Sustainability Hub
A statewide sustainability-data platform funded by the National Science Foundation, integrating AI, geospatial systems, and natural language interaction to make Colorado’s environmental data accessible to all.
RILE Connect
A SIPA-funded statewide STEM ecosystem platform connecting K-12 schools, higher education institutions, nonprofits, and industry partners across Colorado to strengthen STEM education and workforce development.
Roadrunner Connect
A student-built mobile and web application that enhances community engagement at MSU Denver, demonstrating our commitment to involving students in production software development.
Peer Support Hub
A unified platform for coordinating SI, TA, and LA peer support programs at MSU Denver, streamlining faculty applications and improving equitable distribution of peer support resources across departments.
Student Opportunities
Students in the C3 Lab gain hands-on experience with:
- Production Software Systems - Work on real applications serving real users
- Federal and State-Funded Research - Contribute to externally-funded research projects
- Modern Technology Stack - Use current tools and frameworks
- Community Impact - Build platforms that directly benefit 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.
Interested in joining? Complete our Student Interest Form to express your interest in the lab!
Department Affiliation
The C3 Lab is part of the Department of Computer Sciences at MSU Denver. The department offers three bachelor’s degree programs:
- Computer Science (B.S.) - ABET Accredited
- Computer Security (B.S.)
- Data Science and Machine Learning (B.S.)
Our research complements the department’s educational mission by providing students with opportunities to apply classroom learning to real-world projects.
Interested in learning more about the C3 Lab or getting involved? Meet our team or explore our current projects.