Elizabeth N
- Research Program Mentor
PhD candidate at University of Washington
Expertise
Health Disparities, Demography, Computational Methods, Social Networks, Social Media, Social Inequality
Bio
I'm Elizabeth, a California native who moved to Seattle, Washington, for my graduate studies. Currently, I am a PhD student in Sociology at the University of Washington. My research interests lie at the intersection of social media, human health behavior, health disparities, and quantitative and computational methods. I've conducted research on various sociological aspects, including social media's role in influencing pro-social behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic, medical professionals' expressions of vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, and on homelessness in King County, WA. I've collaborated in projects examining general differences in political media use & trust among the Vietnamese diaspora. This journey has allowed me to develop a deep appreciation for the societal dynamics that shape our world. On a more personal note, I enjoy exploring new food spots in the city, creating new music playlists on Spotify, and dancing. I am part of the Indigenous Students of Latin America (ISLA), a student organization on campus that is dedicated to uplifting voices of Indigenous students.Project ideas
Health Beliefs and Practices in a Cultural Context Project
This research project will focus on health beliefs and practices within a specific community. Explore how cultural norms contribute to or hinder health-related behaviors. The student may conduct surveys or interviews with participants in these communities to understand how peer information and cultural context impacts health behavior, treatment choices, and other health behavioral outcomes. This project could involve reviewing scholarly literature, gathering and analyzing data, and presenting results in the form of a scientific research paper, blog, or other platform of your choosing. The student can produce a research report or academic paper that highlights the intersection of sociology and cultural studies, providing a deeper understanding of how cultural contexts shape and are shaped by social dynamics.
Analyzing Social Media and Political Polarization
This project will investigate the role of social media in contributing to political polarization. Analyze how online echo chambers and algorithmic recommendations influence users' political beliefs and affiliations. This project could involve reviewing scholarly literature, gathering and analyzing data, and presenting results in the form of a scientific research paper, blog, or other platform of your choosing. The student can produce a research paper or report that provides insights into the multifaceted relationship between social media and society, delving into issues of representation, inequality, communication, and cultural dynamics in the digital age.