Gabriel (he/him) is a second-year Ph.D. student in the department of Media and information. He has worked as a research assistant for the Quello Center since August of 2022. This work has included data analysis and inquiry among the longitudinal “Homework Gap” research project, studying rural Michigan students and their access to the Internet, level of digital skills, and use of varying technologies in relation to performance outcomes. 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.
His doctoral research focuses on online to offline collective action and rural student connectivity, education, and homework gaps under the advisory of Keith Hampton Ph.D. as well as avatar embodiment and the Proteus Effect under the guidance of Rabindra (Robby) Ratan Ph.D.. Alongside his work with the Quello Center, Gabe has researched with team members in the SPARTIE (Social and Psychological Approaches to Research on Technology-Interaction Effects) Lab, and the IRL (Immersive Realities Lab) at Michigan State University.
He has likewise worked as a graduate teaching assistant with Ruth Shillair Ph.D., Robby Ratan Ph.D., and David Ewoldsen Ph.D., as well as an instructor of record for freshman to senior-level undergraduate classes in the Department of Media and Information. If not working on projects related to his degree, he enjoys marathon running, listening to podcasts (mostly while running), professional and hobby photography, and spending time outside with his dog, Aurelius.