Gabriel E. Hales

Gabriel (he/him) is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Media and Information. He works closely with Keith Hampton, Ph.D. as a research assistant for the Quello Center conducting advanced data analysis, management, and cleaning (SPSS, MPlus) of two large surveys of rural Michigan students and their internet use. He has likewise co-taught as a graduate teaching assistant and instructor of record for numerous undergraduate courses within the department. 

Gabe's research focuses on the relationships between students' academic achievement/social networks and their use of digital technologies, particularly social media, from before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Gabe also examines the psychological aspects of the internet through research on virtual reality (user embodiment and self-presence) and media effects with Rabindra (Robby) Ratan, Ph.D., and the SPARTIE lab. His co-authored work has been accepted at conferences such as the National and International Communication Association and the American Sociological Association, and he has manuscripts in progress, under review, and in press with numerous peer-reviewed journals. 

Prior to his current degree trajectory, Gabe completed his Master of Arts (2021) and Bachelor of Arts (2020) in Media and Information at Michigan State University. His thesis focused on the reciprocal norms associated with varying dimensions of culture. If not working on projects related to his degree, he enjoys marathon running, listening to podcasts (mostly while running), and spending time outside with his dog.