Dr. Rob Mcmahon

Biography

Rob McMahon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Alberta. He specializes in community-based technology development, digital inclusion, and communications policy, particularly geared towards rural and Indigenous communities. He holds a PhD in Communication from Simon Fraser University. His postdoctoral research focused on Indigenous-led technology projects and the integration of digital media into community engagement. McMahon co-founded the First Mile Connectivity Consortium, which advocates for Indigenous technology organizations in Canada. His teaching includes both undergraduate courses in Media Studies and Political Science and graduate courses in the Master of Arts in Communication and Technology program. His research is supported by several significant funding sources including the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Internet Society. Current research initiatives involve collaborations with Indigenous communities to enhance digital literacy and connectivity, as well as exploring the role of community engagement in technology policymaking. McMahon's commitment to fostering dialogue between technology and Indigenous knowledge traditions underscores his teaching and research philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of community voices in technological development and policy processes.

Research Interests