Hello! :)
I’m a Sociology PhD student at Duke and an early-career Computational Social Scientist. I did my undergrad in Computer Science at Georgia Tech. I want to investigate the societal impacts of social technologies such as artificial intelligence and social media, and build technologies that facilitate healthy individual experiences and a world that is less divided.
I am advised by Chris Bail and study with Duke’s Polarization Lab. I am a Graduate Fellow of Duke’s new Society-Centered AI Initiative, and the lead program assistant for the Summer Institutes in Computational Social Science and Tech for Open Minds.
Formerly, I worked with the Social Dynamics and Wellbeing Lab under Professor Munmun De Choudhury to explore disparities in mental health narratives using search engine data.
Background
I’ve been a Software Engineering Intern at Pegasystems and Shentel in the past. My wife and I enjoy hiking and exploring new places around Durham together. I play flute, piano, percussion, and produce electronic music. I am an Eagle Scout.
Links + Contact
ben dot rochford at duke dot edu