Assistant Professor of Computer Science · University of Chicago · Chief Research Officer, Invocate
Data ecology studies how data shapes our world so we can design better data ecosystems.
I'm Raul Castro Fernandez, an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of Chicago and co-founder and Chief Research Officer at Invocate. I originated the concept of data ecology, which frames my research on how data moves through and transforms technological, economic, and social systems — and how we can design interventions (technical, economic, and social) to make those ecosystems more valuable, equitable, and resilient.
I lead work in data ecology, data discovery, and related areas such as data markets and data integration. My group develops both theory and systems that help people and organizations find, evaluate, and use data effectively.
I co-lead the Data Ecology research initiative at the Data Science Institute, and I co-run Chicago Data Night, a forum that brings together industry and academia in Chicago.
I work with postdocs, PhD, and master's students, as well as undergraduate and visiting students.