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Rey Junco is a Senior Researcher at the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at Tufts University.

At CIRCLE, Rey focuses on using quantitative methods to understand youth civic engagement and to make recommendations for improved participation in civic processes. Rey works primarily on the Youth & Media project at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society.

He was previously an associate professor of education and human computer interaction and the director of the Junco Applied Media Research lab where he led research on how young people use social technologies and how those technologies influence psychosocial development, interpersonal interactions, and learning. A methodologist and statistician, Rey has pioneered the use of passive data collection methods in order to predict behavioral, noncognitive, and learning outcomes. He is particularly interested in examining the social impact of AI systems, especially on underrepresented populations.

Rey has written about how online anonymity impacts youth identity formation, how passive data collected from the use of digital textbooks can help predict academic performance, as well as how Minecraft can be used for educational purposes and to support girls' interest in STEM careers. Rey is the author of three books, with the latest Engaging Students Through Social Media: Evidence-Based Practices for Use in Student Affairs focusing on translating interdisciplinary research findings to effective educational practices.


Publications

Publication
Aug 14, 2017

Perspectives on Harmful Speech Online

This collection of short essays and opinion pieces on harmful speech online covers a broad spectrum of thought and ideas from the Berkman Klein community.

Publication
Apr 7, 2015

Digitally Connected: Global Perspectives on Youth and Digital Media

An ebook presenting diverse views, experiences, and insights on key challenges and opportunities

“Digitally Connected: Global Perspectives on Youth and Digital Media,” is a first-of-its kind collection of essays that offers reflections from diverse perspectives on youth…

Feb 17, 2015

Youth and Online News: Reflections and Perspectives

Youth and Media is pleased to announce the publication of "Youth and Online News: Reflections and Perspectives," a series of short essays written by friends and colleagues that…

Publication
Jun 4, 2014

Who Gets a Press Pass?

Media Credentialing Practices in the United States

This study, the first of its kind to perform a quantitative examination of media credentialing in the United States, surveys the experience of journalists throughout the country…


Events

Jan 30, 2013 @ 6:00 PM

Is School Enough?

A screening & conversation about youth and informal learning with digital media.

IS SCHOOL ENOUGH? While policy-makers and educational experts try to determine the best “system” for delivering a world-class education to tens of millions of students across the…