PhD

My research group, Cultural Informatics, explores topics at the intersection of digital heritage, cultural analytics, and informatics. Our focus lies in developing computational tools and methods for documenting and studying cultural heritage.

I welcome students interested in areas such as cultural transmission, patrimonialization, heritage documentation (both tangible and intangible), museum informatics, and collections as data. We draw on methods from data science, network science, computer vision, knowledge graphs, and AI (including LLMs and GraphRAG). For a list of current projects, see this link.

A strong programming background is helpful but not required. I equally value students with solid humanistic training in fields like art history, cultural studies, or heritage science. Above all, I look for curiosity and a willingness to work across disciplines.

If you are considering joining the group, send me a brief email at carboni at illinois dot edu outlining your research interests and a rough idea of the project you would like to pursue. I may not be able to respond to every message, but I do keep track of all expressions of interest.

For those interested in working with me long term, the best path is to apply to the PhD program at the iSchool and list me as a potential advisor.

Independent Studies

I welcome undergraduate and graduate students interested in independent study projects. You can explore potential topics and themes here. To get started, send me a brief email introducing yourself, attach your CV, and let me know which areas spark your curiosity.

Other opportunities

RAships: Occasionally I may have paid research opportunities for students (both graduate and undergraduate). When I do, I circulate them to relevant departments/school on campus, on LinkedIn and here.

PostDoc: The iSchool offers a few Postdoctoral Research Associate position each year, with details and deadlines typically announced in February. If you’re interested in applying and would like to discuss potential mentorship, feel free to write me.