1 World Connected is a project from the University of Pennsylvania CTIC that aims to  understand the empirical impact of Internet connectivity and broadband connection on key development outcomes. The project compiles connectivity initiatives for unconnected and under resourced areas around the world and conducts case studies to investigate the impact and challenges of the Internet on sectors like education, health, gender equality, financial inclusion and business growth; it aims towards a digitally empowered citizenry. We analyzed 120 case studies that presented significant findings on the efficacy of certain initiatives with impact indicators. 

I found my research opportunity through PURM to be extremely rewarding because it gave me the opportunity to extensively study the tangible applications of concepts that I learned throughout my majors and allowed me to examine sectors that I took an interest in such as as financial inclusion, gender development, and access to education. Researching these internet-based global connectivity efforts contextualized my understanding of multi-stakeholder agreements and human rights as it pertains to opportunity accessibility. 

Before entering the project, I had a vague knowledge of the role of data; Professor Yoo and my mentor, Müge Haseki guided my to understanding that collecting thorough and disaggregated data was a critical, time-sensitive process, without which policymakers and practitioners would be unprepared to reach their domestic and international targets; data is an essential foundation for effective policymaking, resource mobilization, and overall, a more efficient effort to connect the world.