Kurtis Heimerl is an Associate Professor at the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Washington. His major research focus is on the topic of improving Internet access, with a focus on cellular technologies. The goal is to empower communities to solve their own communication issues, be those issues of agency (as in community cellular, enabling local, community-owned cellular networks) or in repair (as in our work exploring repair ecosystems in the Philippines). 

His second research focus is on issues of environmental sustainability and conservation. He is currently working with a convervancy in Kenya on developing human-centered tools for community engagement.