Center for Information Advantage and Effectiveness

The CIAE at the University of Mississippi partners, with all-sized, state and national, public and private partners to advance understanding, interpretations, and research about information ecosystems and the information economy.

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Center for Information Advantage and Effectiveness

Navigating the rapid information environment

Today’s information environment is chaotic and disorienting, characterized by decentralized communication channels, competing narratives, incomplete information and inauthentic activity.

The Center for Information Advantage and Effectiveness (CIAE) is an applied interdisciplinary research center at the University of Mississippi within the Office of Research and Economic Development. The CIAE is a central part of UM’s expanding reach and activity in the area of National Security and Resilience. Despite its strategic importance, the United States currently lacks a national center dedicated to interdisciplinary research on information and communication dynamics with particular consideration of the complementary roles of technology, culture, policy and interpretation.

Beyond Dashboards: Information Validation and Interpretation

Join us for a kick-off symposium in Oxford around the theme, "Beyond Data Dashboards: Information validation and interpretation." In addition to sharing best practices and cutting-edge research, the event will serve as an opportunity to advise the center's initial direction and to network with other public and private sector partners, as well as other units at Ole Miss.

**Symposium Schedule of Events**
Dates and Times: (Central Time)	CIAE Kick-off Symposium Events:
Wednesday, March 11 - Location: Circle and Square Brewery
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.	Registration and Opening Reception
Thursday, March 12 - Location: The Inn at Ole Miss
8:00 a.m.	Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m.	Welcoming remarks: Vice Chancellor for ORED John C. Higginbotham Introduction to CIAE: Andrea Hickerson, CIAE Director
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.	Panel 1: Data Interpretation and National Security Elina Beketova, Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) JD Maddox, Information Operations Expert (contractor), U.S. Navy OPNAV N2N6; Adjunct Professor, Tulane University and George Mason University Frank Rossi, Spartan Group Moderator: Vic Minella, University of Mississippi
10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.	Coffee Break
10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.	Panel 2: Interpreting Video: Deepfakes and Facial Recognition Technology Speakers TBA
11:00 a.m. - 11:45 p.m	Panel 3: Collaborative Problem Solving: the art of possible Pete Gray and Ken Twist, WhyData Zach Casper, BigBear.ai Andrea Hickerson, Ole Miss, CIAE
11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.	Research Presentation 1: Nickolas Freeman, University of Alabama “Data-driven Methods for Combatting Sex Trafficking”
12:00 p.m. - 12:15 p.m.	Research Presentation 2: Ankit Shrestha, University of Mississippi “It is Luring You to Click on the Link With False Advertising” - Understanding the Influence of Social Engineering to Co-design Contextualized Interventions”
12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.	Networking Lunch
1:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.	Research Presentation 3: Anita Nikolich, University of Illinois “Narrative, Legitimacy, and Trust in the Crypto Information Environment”
1:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.	Research Presentation 4: Ben Kessler, Meltwater “The role of LLMs is Shaping Perception and Influence”
1:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.	Panel 4: Information, Influence and Supply Chain Vic Minella, University of Mississippi Conor Ferguson, WISPR Systems Panduka Nagahawatte, Institute for Data Science, UM Tyler Vest, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy
2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.	Panel 5: Growing the Workforce Daniel Gonzalez, Blackbird.Ai Chris Engels, GroundScout Col. Monk, MS National Guard Ken Twist, WhyData
3:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.	Closing Remarks/Discussion: Visioning the Center & Next Steps

Register for the Kick-off Symposium

Join us for the "Beyond Data Dashboards: Information validation and interpretation" Symposium.

How we Collaborate

In collaboration and consultation with public and private organizations, CIAE works to plan, direct, respond and measure the impact of messaging in an adversarial information environment.

Joint grant applications, including SBIRs

Collaborative proposals submitted by two or more partners (such as universities, companies, or labs) to secure funding often from government agencies. SBIRs (Small Business Innovation Research grants) specifically fund small businesses engaged in innovative research with commercial potential.

Product testing and refinement

The process of evaluating a product’s performance, usability, and reliability, then making improvements based on data, feedback, and observed issues.

Interpretation validation

A method to confirm that conclusions or insights drawn from research, data, or testing are accurate, reliable, and supported by evidence often requiring replication, expert review, or comparison against established standards.

Tech transfer

The process of moving knowledge, technology, or inventions from a research environment (such as a university or lab) into practical, commercial, or public use usually through licensing, patents, or industry partnerships.

Supervised undergraduate and graduate research projects

Research activities carried out by students under the guidance of a faculty or industry mentor, often contributing to ongoing research programs or exploring new ideas.

Speaking opportunities and workshops

Chances to present expertise, research, or insights to an audience, either through formal talks or hands-on learning sessions designed to teach skills or share specialized knowledge.

Convenings

Organized gatherings such as meetings, symposiums, summits, or roundtables where stakeholders come together to share ideas, collaborate, plan, or discuss key topics.

Upcoming CIAE events:

Beyond Data Dashboards:

Information in organizational and product supply chains. Email us to say in touch and find out more: andreah@olemiss.edu

February 2, 2026 - February 27, 2026
Oxford, Mississippi

Affiliates and Foundational Partners

Andrea Hickerson

Dean of the School of Journalism and New Media and Professor of Journalism