The Association of Internet Researchers has recognized alum Erhardt Graeff, now an assistant professor of social and computer science at Olin College, with the Best Dissertation Award for 2019. 

"In an especially competitive year," AoIR wrote, "the committee found that Dr. Graeff’s dissertation stood out in several respects: Its research topic is timely, meaningful, and impactful. Civic technology and people empowerment/engagement have shaped numerous socio-political movements in recent years. The dissertation identifies the problems with current development of civic technology and proposes concrete solutions and directions for future research. In addition to its strengths in theory and evidence, this dissertation speaks to issues—of technology, participation, and power—at the heart of AoIR’s intellectual mission."