Community-Centered Computing Lab
A research lab in the Department of Computer Sciences at Metropolitan State University of Denver
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.
Research initiatives serving Colorado communities
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.
Learn moreA statewide STEM mentorship and opportunity-matching platform connecting K-12 schools, higher education, nonprofits, and industry partners across Colorado.
Learn moreMSU 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.
Learn moreA 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.
Learn more
Co-Director
Associate Professor, Computer Sciences
Research focus: Data Science, Machine Learning, Large Language Models, Human-Computer Interaction
Co-Director
Assistant Professor, Computer Sciences
Research focus: AI for Good, Civic Technology, Human-Centered Computing, Learning Analytics
Technical Project Manager
Computer Sciences
Technical and operational leadership across the lab — cloud infrastructure, code review, Agile workflow, and student developer mentorship.
January 22, 2026
We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. Daniel Pittman and Dr. Ranjidha Rajan have officially launched the Community-Centered Computing Lab (C3 Lab) in MSU Denver’s Department of Computer Sciences.
January 09, 2026
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.”
November 07, 2025
RILE Connect — MSU Denver’s statewide STEM ecosystem platform — has been awarded $495,922 through Colorado’s SIPA GovGrants program for a 24-month grant period (January 2026 - December 2027).
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.