Robert Baskerville

Robert Baskerville is an independent scholar, educator, and social entrepreneur dedicated to helping

disadvantaged communities harness the potential of the information revolution to tackle today’s most

pressing social challenges.

He holds a Ph.D. in sociology from The Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Baskerville’s

interest in information technologies stems from his academic research, which explores how scientific

research programs initiated by Black intellectuals in the early 20th century influenced the civil rights

movement.

In 2017, Baskerville co-founded RISEUP—Research Initiatives for the Strategic Empowerment of the

Urban Populace, Inc.—a grassroots think tank with a mission to promote “knowledge for civic

engagement.”

His advocacy work began during his undergraduate studies at Bronx Community College, where he played

a key role in the CUNY student strike of 1991. After obtaining a BA in liberal arts from Amherst College,

He pursued his doctoral degree while remaining active in various activist circles.

Recently, Baskerville has collaborated with local activists in Westchester County on projects for community

empowerment, including spearheading efforts to secure federal environmental grants like EPA’s Solar for

All and TCTAC grants.

Dr. Baskerville’s skills encompass GIS and demographic analysis, grant writing and research reports,

instructional design and delivery, as well as strategic planning and project management. He looks forward

to continue to use these skills to drive positive change in disadvantaged communities.