Founded in 2024 by globally renowned communication scholar Dr. Aggrey Willis Otieno, the Social Media for Analytics, Research & Transformation (SMART) Lab is an interdisciplinary powerhouse at Utah State University. We decode digital behaviors to design evidence-based, glocal (global + local) solutions that tackle adolescent mental health, child abuse and neglect, online advocacy, digital marketing, and social change.
At SMART Lab, we believe social media isn’t just a tool, it’s a mirror of society, a map of behavior, and a blueprint for innovation. We turn data into dialogue, and dialogue into measurable action that transforms communities and policies.
Whether you're a student, scholar, policymaker, or funder, this is where digital insight meets real-world impact.
Our Vision
A world where social media data sparks glocal insight, drives innovation, and empowers transformative societal change.
Our Mission
To harness the power of social media data through collaborative research with USU students, faculty, communities, and industry partners, driving glocal innovation and delivering actionable insights that shape a more connected and resilient society
What We Do
SMART Awards: 3 Minutes of Genius
Open to all USU students, the SMART Awards challenge participants to present research or social media campaigns in just 180 seconds—clear, compelling, and crowd-ready.
Next deadline: End of Week 3 each semester
Spring 2025 Winners
- Brandon Sorensen – winner
- Emma Olsen – runners up
- Savanna Seal – third place
University Inn Awards: Excellence Meets Ice Cream & Complimentary Accommodation
In partnership with USU’s Event Services, students transform client campaigns into strategic digital content. The best receive complimentary stays at the University Inn and a week’s supply of Aggie Ice Cream.
Spring 2025 Winners
- Brian Kirk
- Lindsay
- Emma Olsen
Experiential Learning with Real Impact
Each semester, over 20 students partner with real organizations to:
- Conduct digital audits
- Design strategic social media content
- Launch data-driven campaigns
Clients gain innovative insights.
Students gain hands-on, résumé-worthy experience.
Student Mentorship & Academic Showcases
Each academic year, 100+ students receive hands-on mentorship—culminating in presentations at the USU Research Symposium and other top forums. We cultivate researchers who think critically, communicate persuasively, and lead ethically.
SMART Lab Pillars
Transforming data into actionable, ethical solutions starts with our five-pillar framework:
S
Social Systems Insight
Decode digital conversations by understanding their cultural, behavioral, and systemic roots.
M
Media Metrics Mastery
Use cutting-edge analytics to extract trends, sentiment, and influence from complex social media ecosystems.
A
Applied Behavior Change Communication
Design data-informed campaigns that bridge global goals with local realities—what we call "glocal impact.
R
Research-Driven Innovation
Our research blends big data and human stories to drive forward-thinking, evidence-based strategies.
T
Transformative Collaborations
We co-create solutions with youth, policymakers, nonprofits, and communities for sustainable change.