Better Tech: Putting People First in Cyberspace
September 15, 2026, from 4:00-5:00pm, UMass Old Chapel | Livestream
With Fran Berman Director of the Public Interest Technology Initiative, Stuart Rice Honorary Research Professor and Laura Haas Professor and former Dean, Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences at UMass
Join Manning CICS Dean Keith Marzullo on Tuesday, Sept. 15, for a special Dean’s Lecture Series. The event will feature Stuart Rice Honorary Research Professor Francine Berman in conversation with Distinguished Professor Emeritus Jim Kurose about Berman’s new book, “Better Tech: Putting People First in Cyberspace.” Taking place on the book’s publication day, the event will be followed by a book signing, with complimentary copies available on a first-come, first-served basis to registered attendees.
From social media and AI chatbots to search engines, “Better Tech” considers what it would mean to treat cyberspace as critical infrastructure. Berman offers practical strategies for making digital technology safer, more dependable, and more accountable to the public.
Predicting Elections: Why Can’t We Get It Right? | Talking Tech Series
October 7, 2026, 5:30 pm, UMass Downtown (108 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA)
With Francine Berman and Laura Haas
Our technologies for analyzing data and building models of user behavior have evolved dramatically. Yet election polls are frequently poor predictors of election results. Why? Just in time for the November election, Fran and Laura talk about the many sources of uncertainty in the prediction process, and why even the best forecasters and pundits can be wrong.
Sponsored by Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences and Public Interest Technology Initiative at UMass, Talking Tech aims to demystify the technology that drives our world.
Has Your Behavior Been Hacked? | Talking Tech Series
November 4, 2026, 5:30 pm, UMass Downtown (108 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA)
With Francine Berman and Laura Haas
Companies spend mega-bucks on so-called “behavioral engineering” and “psychographic targeting” (used by Cambridge Analytica in the 2016 election). You’re aware of standard ads and marketing, but technology has enabled whole new ways for companies, influencers, and social media to sway you. Be informed for the holidays!
Sponsored by Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences and Public Interest Technology Initiative at UMass, Talking Tech aims to demystify the technology that drives our world.
Reduce Your Cyber-Risk | Talking Tech Series
December 2, 2026, 5:30 pm, UMass Downtown (108 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA)
With Francine Berman and Laura Haas
We hear every day about a new danger or risk in cyberspace. Phishing, scams, hacks leading to identity theft, ransomware and malware, oh, my! Not to mention stories about surveillance and stalking, child exploitation, chatbots giving harmful advice, and general misinformation. What can you do to lower your risk and get the benefits of our amazing modern technology with less fear? Fran and Laura will provide practical advice in this interactive session. Come with questions!
Sponsored by Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences and Public Interest Technology Initiative at UMass, Talking Tech aims to demystify the technology that drives our world.