About
Dr. Bonnici’s work bridges information science, sociotechnical systems, and the study of how people seek and exchange information in complex real-world conditions. She is an Associate Professor in the College of Communication & Information Sciences, School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alabama.
Dr. Bonnici holds degrees in Spanish and linguistics and library science, and earned her Ph.D. in Information Science from Florida State University. Her research focuses on information seeking in second-hand knowledge contexts, particularly through social media platforms for individuals experiencing crisis conditions. She has also written on information retrieval in the context of “rewilded information,” examining how people exchange information in everyday interactions through natural language analysis.
In the classroom, Dr. Bonnici teaches courses in information science, information systems, the sociotechnical aspects of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data justice, and web development applications.
Prior to joining the University of Alabama faculty in 2007, Dr. Bonnici served as an assistant professor at Drexel University, where she taught undergraduate and graduate courses in information management and systems. Her professional experience also includes work in higher education as a network administrator and systems librarian, as well as in the corporate sector as a technology trainer.
Impact Beyond the University
Dr. Bonnici consults with both for-profit and non-profit organizations on change management and technology accessibility for people with disabilities. She also partners with libraries on strategic planning, with particular emphasis on systems development and social media strategy.
Her professional leadership includes two terms on the Board of Directors for the Association for Library & Information Science Education. She is also an active member of The Document Academy, reflecting her ongoing engagement with national and interdisciplinary information studies communities.
A Commitment to Information Science, Technology, and Inclusive Systems
Through her research, teaching, and consulting, Dr. Bonnici highlights how information technologies shape human experience, especially during moments of crisis and transition. Her work prepares students to think critically about information systems, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies while centering accessibility, equity, and the sociotechnical realities of communication in everyday life.
Outside of academia, she enjoys riding bicycles, kayaking, and stained glass-making, passions that contribute to a meaningful work-life balance.