ICDS News

Featured Researcher: Ahmed Alrawi

Ahmed Al Rawi, a doctoral student in mass communication, says his goal is to both better understand how information technology affects our world and to help find solutions to drive meaningful change. He relies on investigations into communications law, surveillance and big data to tackle issues in communications and mass media. 

In 40 words or less, what’s the elevator pitch for your research?

One of the unique challenges we face in modern society is that technology is consistently outpacing legislation. Technology has completely reinvented the way we communicate as a society and how we gather, disseminate, and utilize information. We live in a world where data is the most crucial commodity for every business, econo-mist, and politician, but a lack of legislation surrounding how that data can be used creates moral and ethical issues. As a student and a researcher, I am committed to understanding how information technology impacts our world and drives meaningful change. Therefore, communications law, surveillance, and big data in the modern era are considered the cornerstone for my research, where I can find a solution to modern issues related to the communication and mass media fields

How did you get into this research field?

I took three classes during my undergraduate coursework (Comm 492, Comm 489, Comm 404) with my current advisor Benjamin Cramer and became interested in investigating the intersection of law, privacy, surveillance, and big data.

What is your academic background?

I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bellisario College. I also earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Communications at Al Mansour University in Baghdad, Iraq, where he majored communications en-gineering. Currently, I am a Ph.D. student at the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications.

What are the big problems you hope your research solves — and/or the big opportunities you hope your research seizes?

I hope to establish a legal framework that could stop or at least limit the illegal surveillance operations and the privacy breaches by the CIA, FBI, and NSA on American citizens.

What’s your favorite sound?

Waves against rocks.

What profession other than your own would you enjoy?

Gastronomy.    

Favorite hobbies/pastimes that have nothing to do with your professional work?

I enjoy traveling abroad and discovering different varieties of food, including the cuisines of Eastern Europe—the Czech Republic, Turkey, and Greece.

What is something that people are surprised to discover about you?

I speak four languages: Arabic, Turkish, French, and English.

Who is the most famous science celebrity – or celebrity – that you’ve me

Dr. Dannagal Young, professor of communication at the Delaware University, and the author of book Irony and Outrage.

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