IST Research Talks are held in Westgate Building, home to the College of Information Sciences and Technology, on the University Park campus. Credit: Cole Handerhan / Penn State. Creative Commons
Information Sciences and Technology
IST Research Talks presents Betsy Campbell and Nicklaus Giacobe
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM / December 04, 2025
Faculty members from the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) will present the fourth lecture in the IST Research Talks series.
Betsy Campbell
Betsy Campbell is an associate teaching professor in IST’s Department of Human-Centered Computing and Social Informatics and affiliated with Penn State’s Center for Socially Responsible Artificial Intelligence (CSRAI).
Campbell’s talk, “A Practice Theory Approach to Understanding and Shaping the Digital Future,” will introduce a practice theory approach to understanding and influencing the digital future.
Practice theory emphasizes the interdependence of social practices, including human, non-human and post-human agents. Drawing on several research examples related to deepfakes, Mars rovers and other innovations, Campbell’s talk demonstrates the usefulness and range of a practice theory approach. Attendees will leave with an awareness of flat ontologies, practice-oriented methodologies and ways to get involved with research.
Campbell studies the practices associated with technological innovation and the teaming of humans with AI. She is a Fulbright Specialist and the recipient of two Academy of Management awards. Her work at Penn State has been funded by the National Science Foundation, RSM Foundation and Anchor Point Foundation.
Nicklaus Giacobe
Nicklaus Giacobe will present a talk about his research in cybersecurity education.
Giacobe is an associate teaching professor in IST’s Department of Privacy and Cybersecurity Informatics. He is the coordinator of the College of IST’s cybersecurity analytics and operations program and the University’s point of contact for the National Security Agency’s Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education at Penn State.
The IST Research Talks series highlights the interdisciplinary work of faculty and scholars in the College of Information Sciences and Technology. Check out past lectures and upcoming events at IST Research Talks.