Robert Soden

Robert Soden is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and School of the Environment at the University of Toronto. He also serves as coordinator of the Toronto Climate Observatory. His research areas include crisis informatics, human-computer interaction, computer-supported cooperative work, infrastructure studies, and science and technology studies, focusing on developing and improving technologies for disaster and climate change response. His research methods include ethnography, participatory design, and design research to enhance the effectiveness of information technology in addressing environmental challenges. He is also a co-founder of the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team, an organization dedicated to creating free and open maps for global humanitarian and development purposes. His research has been funded by organizations such as NSERC, SSHRC, NSF, NOAA, and the Natural Hazards Center.

• 2020 - Present·University of Toronto·Assistant Professor
  • Teaching and conducting research in the Computer Science Department and School of the Environment, leading the Toronto Climate Observatory, researching climate informatics, human-centered computing, and science and technology studies.
• During PhD | University of California Berkeley and Stanford University | Visiting Research Fellow and Lecturer
  • Participated in research activities at the Center for Science, Technology, Medicine, and Society and the Urban Resilience Initiative.
• Before PhD | World Bank Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) | Consultant
  • Launched the Open Data for Resilience Initiative, promoting the application of open data and open-source technologies in disaster and climate risk management.
• Before PhD | Development Seed | Software Developer
  • Developed data technologies related to disaster management and environmental issues.
• Before PhD | Neighborhood Technology Center & World Resources Institute | Researcher
  • Managed research projects focused on climate and disaster-related topics.

• 2012 - 2018·University of Colorado Boulder·PhD
  • Computer Science, specializing in crisis informatics and human-computer interaction.
• 2008 - 2010·American University·Master's Degree
  • Natural Resources and Sustainable Development.
• 2002 - 2006·University of Illinois Chicago·Bachelor's Degree
  • History and Political Science.