After learning about the four partners on offer to work with, and asking advice from my research colleagues outside of the lab, I apply for, and am chosen to work with the Microsoft Group. I had to think very, very carefully about this. One one hand, it’s obviously an amazing opportunity to work in conjunction with a technology giant (which looks great on the CV). On the other hand, I am wary and skeptical about what I will actually be allowed to do in the context of developing in partnership with them. My group learns that we’ll be working specifically with Microsoft Civic Tech, a strategic business division within the company interested in data analytics using open data sets, technology literacy surrounding maker and open data communities, and responsive and resilient cities with respect to disaster response. Essentially, I’ll be working in some respect on a “Smart City” initiative. I am eager, very eager, but very, very, very cautious.
