About Edward L. Platt
Hi, I'm Ed. I create technology for communities and communities for technology.
I'm a computational social scientist and data scientist, with a focus on participatory governance and free/open-source software. I currently work as an independent consultant (as Cinder Oak LLC). Current and recent clients include: the Citizens and Technology Lab at Cornell, the Python Software Foundation, and Changeset Consulting.
My background is in information science, computer science, and physics. My PhD dissertation focused on social network structure in large-scale online deliberation. Previously, I worked for several years as a staff researcher at the Center for Civic Media in the MIT Media Lab, and in Metro Detroit as a web developer and civic technologist. While in Detroit, I co-founded and served on the board for the i3 Detroit hackerspace. I've also worked at places like Apple, CERN, and Zimride (now Lyft).
When I'm not hacking the planet for great justice, I enjoy sci-fi/fantasy, playing ukulele, knitting, ham radio, TTRPGs, pen and ink artwork, and bad puns. I live in Ann Arbor, Michigan with my partner, our young human, and approximately 25lbs of cat(s).
I am Edward L. Platt. Here is a list of people named Edward Platt who are not me:
- Edward Cuthbert Platt (American actor)
- Edward Platt (British author)
- Edward Platt (bassist for Enchant)
- Edward W. Platt (world's best auto mechanic / my father).