As a passionate advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration, I am thrilled to announce an exciting new venture that has come to fruition thanks to this belief. I am embarking on a summer research project in Ottawa, Canada, in partnership with Prof. Umar Ruhi, funded by the prestigious Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa. This unique opportunity will bring together leading international research minds in a joint mission to advance our understanding of the digital world and its many complexities.

In today’s hyper-connected world, information travels at lightning speeds and can be shared instantly. However, with such convenience and speed comes a flood of misinformation and disinformation that can cloud the truth and influence decisions on a global scale. Our hope is that by working together on this research grant, we can better grasp the complexities of the problem and find ways to mitigate the harm that can result from spreading false information.

The initiative aims to accomplish two main things. Our primary goal is to gain ground-breaking understanding of the nuances of false information and deception. Research on these occurrences is crucial if we are to anticipate their development, comprehend their causes, and contribute to the development of policy and practice that can lessen their negative effects.

Second, we hope to contribute to the scholarly world. This research grant will allow me to host seminars and workshops on visual analytics, data, and social media participation. Graduate students (doctoral and MSc) in management, health systems, digital transformation, and innovation at the University of Ottawa are the intended audience for these events. I believe that by holding these seminars and workshops, we will encourage a mindset of sharing and learning.

The objective of our project is to equip the future generation of researchers with the knowledge and abilities they’ll need to succeed in today’s information-driven world. It is vital to train the next generation of leaders to recognize bias in digital media, apply critical thinking to it, and use data and analytics to draw actionable conclusions.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to collaborate with Prof. Umar Ruhi and the other dedicated academics at Telfer School of Management. Together, I believe we can achieve remarkable results, which will benefit the entire scientific community.

I am excited for the new experiences and knowledge we will gain on our voyage.
Here’s to a summer of learning, discovery, and meaningful collaboration in beautiful Ottawa, Canada 🇨🇦.

Here is some information about the workshops that I will be conducting at Ottawa:

Workshop 1: Bringing Data to Life: An Interactive Journey into Visual Analytics

In this workshop, participants will explore the intriguing world of visual analytics and data storytelling. The modern digital landscape is awash with data, and effective visual representations can turn this raw data into engaging stories. This workshop is designed to provide a hands-on experience in creating data stories using a cloud-based tool called DataWrapper. Participants will learn how to transform complex datasets into digestible and compelling visual narratives. Students will gain practical data manipulation and visualization skills, preparing them to communicate their findings clearly and effectively in their academic and future professional life.

• Target audience: Students (and faculty)
• Duration: 2 hours
• Learning outcomes:
  • Participants will be able to identify the key elements of effective data storytelling
  • Participants will be able to use a cloud-based tool to create effective visualizations
  • Participants will be able to apply the principles of visual analytics and data storytelling to their own professional projects and/or research

Telfer Link to the workshop: https://telfer.uottawa.ca/en/events/202306221030-workshop-with-laeeq-khan/

Workshop 2: Social Media Engagement and its Impact on Public Discourse and Health Awareness: An Overview of Current Research

This workshop will delve into how social media shapes user participation, motivation, and engagement on platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. We will examine the role of social media in propagating and combating misinformation, influencing users’ information consumption habits and decision-making processes. This includes understanding the balance between user engagement and the risk of misinformation, particularly in the context of public health. The workshop aims to underline the importance of comprehending and navigating social media’s multifaceted impacts in today’s increasingly digitized and interconnected world. 

• Target audience: Faculty, graduate students, and professionals
• Duration: 1 hour
• Learning outcomes:
  • Participants will gain an understanding of the dynamics of online user engagement
  • Participants will understand the role of users and social media in both spreading and combating misinformation
  • Participants will learn how to leverage their understanding of social media engagement and information consumption to facilitate effective health communication

Telfer Link to the workshop: https://telfer.uottawa.ca/en/events/202306201030-research-seminar-with-laeeq-khan/