Partnership Philosophy

Some of my best research breakthroughs have happened over coffee with colleagues who see the world differently than I do. There’s something magical about that moment when different perspectives click together and suddenly you’re seeing possibilities that none of you could have imagined alone.

That’s why I’m genuinely excited about collaboration—not just because it produces better research (though it absolutely does), but because it reminds me why I fell in love with this work in the first place. Whether I’m partnering with community organizations in Lubbock, co-authoring with scholars across the globe, or working alongside my students in the UX Research Lab, I’m constantly amazed by what emerges when we bring our different experiences and expertise to the table.

I’ve learned that the most meaningful collaborations happen when we’re not just sharing resources or dividing tasks, but actually building something together that wouldn’t exist otherwise. Maybe it’s a research method that bridges cultural contexts, a community program that helps people navigate new technologies, or a publication that changes how our field thinks about user experience. Whatever it is, I’m here for the process of co-creation and the relationships that sustain it.

What really drives me is working on projects that matter—research that doesn’t just advance academic knowledge but actually helps people live better, more connected lives. If that sounds like the kind of collaboration that interests you, I’d love to hear about what you’re working on.

Areas of Collaboration Interest

I’m curious about how people in different parts of the world experience technology and communication. How do students in Helsinki approach user research differently than those in Houston? I’m drawn to research partnerships that help us understand these cross-cultural dimensions—whether through comparative studies, joint data collection, or collaborative analysis that brings multiple perspectives to shared questions.

I get excited about building educational programs that bridge borders and disciplines. I’m interested in developing joint degree programs, faculty exchange opportunities, or co-hosted conferences focused on UX research and technical communication. There’s something powerful about creating shared research infrastructure that multiple institutions can benefit from.

I’m energized by projects that directly serve communities while advancing our understanding. I’m always looking for opportunities to partner with international NGOs or community organizations on participatory design initiatives. Whether it’s digital literacy projects or studies of how communities adopt new technologies, I believe our best scholarship happens when it’s accountable to the people it aims to serve.

I love the collaborative possibilities of academic publishing and editorial work. As Chief Editor of Computers and Composition, I see how powerful it can be when scholars from different contexts work together on special issues or edited collections. I’m drawn to editorial collaborations that amplify diverse voices and reach beyond traditional academic boundaries.

Each of these areas represents conversations I’m already having—and ones I’m eager to expand with the right partners.

Ready to start something together?

I’m actively seeking collaborators for cross-cultural UX research studies, international comparative projects on technical communication practices, and upcoming grant proposals focused on community-engaged design research. If you’re interested in co-developing conference panels or guest editing special issues that bridge global perspectives in our field, let’s talk.

I’m also available for:

• Guest lectures (virtual or in-person)
• Keynote presentations
• Collaborative grant writing
• Research consultation on UX, design, or technical communication

Whether you need a thought partner for a new initiative or want to explore how our work might connect, I’m here for those conversations.

Contact me: jason.tham@ttu.edu