Hello! :)
I’m a Sociology Ph.D. candidate at Duke and a Computational Social Scientist. I did my undergrad in Computer Science at Georgia Tech. My work investigates the societal impacts of social technologies such as artificial intelligence and social media, to help 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 the inaugural Graduate Fellow of Duke’s 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