Dr. Desmond Patton

Professor

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Biography

Desmond Upton Patton is a Penn Integrates Knowledge University Professor with joint appointments in the School of Social Policy & Practice and the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. His extensive research addresses the relationships between gun violence, grief, and loss, particularly how online communities influence offline behavior. He is recognized for his innovative work in social sciences, including early studies on trauma detection and violence prevention, which have evolved into broader inquiries involving language analysis, algorithmic bias, and artificial intelligence. As a member of several advisory councils including those for Spotify and TikTok, Patton has positioned himself at the intersection of technology and social work, promoting the development of inclusive data science methodologies that consider cultural and linguistic nuances. He has developed the Contextual Analysis (CASM) framework to aid in understanding complex social interactions, aiming to integrate joy into AI model development for equitable human connection. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and has been recognized by multiple organizations for his contributions to digital health and public engagement.

Research Interests

Experience

Faculty Associate

2017-10-19 — Present

Berkman Klein Center • Cambridge, MA

Collaborates on research addressing the intersections of technology, social behavior, and ethics.

Requirements for University of Pennsylvania

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.6
GRE General
Verbal
Required:162
Quantitative
Required:162
Overall
Required:162
GMAT
Total Score
Required:728
Overall
Required:728
TOEFL
Total
Required:115
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong quantitative background
Application Checklist
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Essays
Specialization Notes

Wharton Doctoral programs cover fields like Finance, Marketing, Management, and Operations, Information and Decisions.