I'm a Sociology PhD student at Duke and an aspiring Computational Social Scientist. I did my undergrad in Computer Science at Georgia Tech. I want to investigate the cultural impacts of online social systems, and find ways to 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.
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.
I've been a Software Engineering Intern at Pegasystems and Shentel in the past. When I'm not in Durham, I call historic Williamsburg Virginia my home. I play flute, piano, percussion, and produce electronic music. I am an Eagle Scout.
ben dot rochford at duke dot edu