Dipto Das

I am a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Computer Science (also affiliated with the iSchool) at the University of Toronto, where I work with Dr. Syed Ishtiaque Ahmed and Dr. Shion Guha. My research examines the sociotechnical impacts and bias of algorithmic systems and AI infrastructures—including language models, moderation tools, and platform algorithms—to better understand how they shape discourse, civic identity, and access to information, particularly in low-resource and Global South contexts. My goal is to advance theory and inform the design of accountable, context-aware, and responsible algorithmic systems. Drawing on my training in computer science, information science, and human-computer interaction, I take a mixed-methods and participatory approach to study algorithmic bias, governance policy, and ethics. My research spans three interconnected streams: (1) Algorithmic fairness and bias in sociotechnical systems, (2) Culture, discourse, and power in global digital platforms, and (3) Community-driven approaches to interactive and ethical AI). My work has been published in top computing venues, such as ACM CHI and ACM CSCW, among others, and has received multiple Best Paper Honorable Mention Awards. My work and practice have been featured in prominent press and media outlets, such as the Atlantic, Prothom Alo, ACM Crossroads, and Princeton University Press. My research has been supported by competitive funding from the Institute for Pandemics and the National Science Foundation.

Before beginning my postdoctoral work, I completed my PhD and MS in Information Science from the University of Colorado Boulder, where I worked with Dr. Bryan Semaan. Previously, I obtained an MS in Computer Science from Missouri State University and a BSEngg in Computer Science and Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology. I also have experience with independent industry consulting and over seven years of teaching experience across universities in the US, Canada, and Bangladesh.

In my free time, I find joy in sharing meaningful moments with friends and family and studying mythologies. I also enjoy sketching and photography, often capturing moments from my travels. Cooking is another passion of mine as a way to experience different cultures.