research. applied analysis. teaching.

Portrait photograph of Gabriel Hales (fall 2022)

I am

GABRIEL

HALES;     

a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Media & Information, and Researcher with the Quello Center, at Michigan State University.

MY CURRENT

RESEARCH...

focuses on the relationships between rural students’ academic achievement/social networks and their access, use, and skillsets related to digital technologies.

Primarily, I study how such relationships may be limited by or framed within the field of digital inequalities.

  • I work as a researcher/research assistant with the Quello Center, helping fund my Ph.D. and studying the relationships between connectivity, social networks, and education among adolescents in rural Michigan (2022-present).

    I have also worked with Robby Ratan, Ph.D., in the SPARTIE Lab and the IRL (Immersive Realities Lab) at MSU on human-avatar interactions (2021-2023).

  • Before my research-oriented focus, I worked as a 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 my degree, I enjoy marathon running — with the goal of running as many major marathons in the EU before my legs give out — listening to podcasts (mostly while running), freelance and hobby photography and videography (my primary job and life trajectory pre-higher education), and spending time outside with my dog, Aurelius.

    [editor’s note: see dog tax here]

METHODS

Specialize in (& thoroughly enjoy) statistical analysis, including:

  • Path Analysis

  • Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)

  • Multilevel Modeling (MLM)

  • Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM)

  • Social Network Analysis

Also experienced in qualitative methods, primarily concerning adolescents' digital media use at home and in public, including:

  • In-depth interviewing

  • Ethnography/observational methods

Picture in front of a large computer/PC desk with three monitors taking up the view. On the monitors there are many windows open, most of which being analysis software like Mplus and SPSS, as well as Google Chrome, articles, Spotify, and Notion

[Photo of home PC w/ Mplus & SPSS in use 👀😮‍💨]

has been accepted at conferences like the National and International Communication Association, and the American Sociological Association.

At any time during my program, I have multiple manuscripts in progress, under review, and in press with peer-reviewed journals.

MY ONGOING

RESEARCH...

A is standing at a podium giving a presentation at a conference. The presentation slide displayed on a large screen behind her discusses social media use, gender inequalities, and academic subjects. The slide includes logos for ICA, 2024 Gold Coast, associated with Michigan State University and the Quello Center.

Prior to my current degree, I completed my Master of Arts (2021) and Bachelor of Arts (2020) in Media and Information at MSU.

gabe (mid-twenties, male) running up classic Santa Monica highway hill in Los Angeles, with the sun rising behind him and his fists raised in a lack luster "Rocky Balboa" pose
Young man standing in front of a large wooden gate with a stone and stucco wall behind him, pointing at the camera.
Gabe squatting next to the best and nicest dog in the world (in Gabe's opinion) while on a beach and holding a running bib from a northern Michigan race (Grand Isle Half Marathon)

If not working on projects related to research, I prioritize running, listening to podcasts (mostly while running), and spending time outside with my dog.