About

Nicole presently serves as an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Brock University and Director of the Centre for e-Democracy. Her current research largely focuses on the impacts of digital technology and innovation on Canadian political behaviour and public policy. She has also explored such impacts on governance and Indigenous self-determination. Nicole recently led a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) funded study of the 2014 Ontario municipal elections to assess the effects of internet voting on voters and election administration in 47 municipalities – the largest attitudinal study carried out on internet voting to date. She is currently part of two multi-year SSHRC-funded research projects that are based on extensive industry, government and community partnerships to understand the impact of digital technology and innovation on Canadian cities and Indigenous communities. Findings from these projects will allow us to learn about the effects of technology on voting behaviour, citizen participation, Indigenous self-determination, changes in the efficiency and quality of government service delivery and governance more broadly. Nicole has authored multiple academic papers and government reports and is regularly called upon by governments and organizations in Canada and internationally for her expertise related to voting technologies and electoral modernization. Findings from her recent research have been presented in testimony to the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly (Ontario) and the Special Committee on Electoral Reform and have been featured in The Globe and Mail, Ottawa Citizen, Toronto Star, CBC and on TVO as well as other outlets.