Dr. Daniel Pittman
Dr. Pittman leads research at the intersection of Data Science, Machine Learning, Large Language Models, and Human-Computer Interaction. His work spans statewide data platforms, natural language interfaces, and production mobile and web applications that serve educational, civic, and sustainability-focused communities.
His eighteen-year industry career as a software engineer and architect informs his approach to building scalable, maintainable, real-world systems that are grounded in user needs.
Research Interests
- Data Science and Machine Learning
- Large Language Models and Natural Language Processing
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Applied AI for Community Impact
- Cloud-Based Platform Development
Current Projects
Principal Investigator:
- Colorado Sustainability Hub - NSF CISE-MSI Award ($1,202,085)
- Peer Support Hub - MSU Denver
Co-Principal Investigator:
- RILE Connect - SIPA GovGrants ($495,922)
Project Director & Faculty Mentor:
- Roadrunner Connect - MSU Denver Campus Engagement Platform
Research Vision
Dr. Pittman’s research explores how intelligent systems can support evidence-informed decision making by connecting people with data in practical and meaningful ways. This includes:
- Developing natural language assistants for sustainability information
- Creating frameworks for evaluating large language models in domain-specific settings
- Building cloud-based platforms for education and community ecosystems
- Designing user-centered applications that support public access to information
Contact
Interested in research opportunities or collaborations? Contact Dr. Pittman at dpittma8@msudenver.edu.
Dr. Ranjidha Rajan
Dr. Rajan’s research focuses on advancing AI for Good, civic technology, and human-centered computing to strengthen how communities learn, collaborate, and access opportunities. Her work integrates AI-augmented inquiry-based learning, data visualization, learning analytics, and network science to design tools that democratize data, improve educational equity, and support public-benefit ecosystems.
Research Interests
- AI for Good and Responsible AI Systems
- Civic Technology and Human-Centered Computing
- Learning Analytics and Educational Technology
- Data Visualization and Network Science
- AI-Augmented Inquiry-Based Learning
Current Projects
Principal Investigator & Project Director:
- RILE Connect - SIPA GovGrants ($495,922)
Co-Principal Investigator:
- Peer Support Hub - MSU Denver
Additional Research Initiatives
MentorMap: Network-Driven Mentorship Analysis Using social network analysis and graph database technologies to model, query, and visualize mentorship ecosystems across academic, professional, and community settings.
Canvas Learning Analytics Analyzing learning management system activity logs to model student engagement patterns and support early alerts, instructional redesign, and equitable teaching practices.
AI-IBL for Data Visualization Exploring how generative AI can help students practice deeper, more meaningful questioning during exploratory data analysis.
Contact
Interested in research opportunities or collaborations? Contact Dr. Rajan at rranjidh@msudenver.edu.
Join the Lab
The C3 Lab welcomes students from Computer Science, Data Science and Machine Learning, and Computer Security programs who are interested in applied research with community impact. Students work on production software systems, contribute to federal and state-funded research, and help build platforms that directly benefit Colorado communities.
Interested in joining? Complete our Student Interest Form to express your interest in the lab!
You can also contact either co-director directly to learn about current opportunities.