Andrew received his B.Sc. in Communication Arts and Science and Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2021. He then graduated with his M.A. in Communication from Michigan State University in 2024. His work is concerned with the impact of new media technologies—including social networking sites, video games, and AI—on interpersonal communication processes and psychological well-being. More specifically, his research focuses on how new communication technologies reshape interpersonal communication processes, such as conflict episodes, social support, relational maintenance, and termination. He is also interested in how various types of online communication behaviors—such as self-presentation, commenting, liking, and types of interaction afforded by new media technologies—impact one's psychological well-being.

Yingqi Pan is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her research focuses on political communication, with a particular interest in gender inequalities in online political engagement. Her work explores the role of technology in perpetuating political inequalities and shaping individuals’ political attitudes from multiple perspectives.

Yuxin Jin is a M.A/Ph.D. student in the Department of Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Yuxin received a BA in Communication from UCSB and has since gained experience as a research assistant for the Santa Barbara Women’s Fund and as an intern at the Santa Barbara Courthouse. Yuxin’s research explores gender inequality and women’s empowerment, particularly through microfinance and employment, examining how financial inclusion contributes to women’s advancement. Yuxin is also interested in globalization, conducting cross-cultural comparisons between East Asia and the U.S. to investigate how cultural nuances shape responses to global trends. Additionally, Yuxin's work examines the social impact of legislation, with a particular focus on how laws influence societal norms, gender dynamics, and empowerment initiatives, as well as the effects of emerging communication technologies like AI on legal regulation.

Jessica is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her primary interests include (1) uncovering the underlying mechanisms of health and social decision-making, (2) examining how social influences interact with communication processes to shape behaviors, and (3) exploring diverse factors at various levels to promote health and well-being. Her work employs a diverse research toolkit, including both quantitative and qualitative methods. She is particularly interested in leveraging intensive longitudinal, neuroscientific, and computational methodologies to better understand complex behavioral mechanisms and temporal changes.

Stephanie Herrera is a graduate researcher in the Department of Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She earned her B.A. in Communication Technology at The Ohio State University, where she developed an interest in media effects. Her research aims to examine the influence of stereotypical media depictions on the self-concept of individuals with marginalized identities.

Monét Tchamdjoci is a doctoral student in the Department of Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her research interests lie in health and interpersonal communication, specifically focusing on Black women's approaches to disclosure and support-seeking strategies around their mental health challenges.

Alison's research interests are driven by the goal of revealing the way our environments, both real and virtual, can directly impact our emotions, attitudes, and behaviors. Ultimately, Alison aims to make the neuroscience of media influence inclusive and accessible to media users and audiences of various backgrounds, such as adolescents and individuals with mental illnesses. She is also interested in how emerging media and technologies can reshape the philosophical and social dynamics surrounding them. Alison's background in neuroscience and philosophy and her research at the Chapman University Brain Institute have contributed to her interdisciplinary approach to communication research. Alison studied neuroscience, philosophy, and theology at the University of San Diego and more recently received her M.S. in Health and Strategic Communication from Chapman University.