Relationships & Technology Lab

The Relationships and Technology Lab conducts social scientific research on communication, technology use, and relationships. If you're an undergraduate student who is interested in getting involved as a research associate, please email your CV and a short statement of interest to Dr. Sharabi. If you're a prospective graduate student and would like to learn more about our Ph.D. program in Interpersonal Communication, you can find more information here.

Marco Dehnert

Marco Dehnert is a fourth-year doctoral student originally from Germany. He earned his B.A. in General Rhetoric from the University of Tübingen and his M.A. in Communication Studies from Arizona State University. Marco's research focuses on human-machine communication and critical/cultural communication studies, where he explores how one recognizes and disavows the other in communicative encounters. His work has appeared in journals such as Human-Machine Communication, Review of Communication, and Human Communication Research.

Cassandra Ryder

Cassandra Ryder is a third-year interpersonal communication doctoral student. She earned both her B.A. and M.A. from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. Cassandra's research focuses specifically on romantic relationship initiation through technology such as online dating, as well as how trauma is communicated via technology and in-person to others. She is currently analyzing data from two of her most recent research projects, one of which is on bad first date experiences with people met through online dating. The other is on how anticipatory and disenfranchised grief is communicated on Reddit after losing a loved one to COVID-19.  

Megan Niehoff is an undergraduate junior from Phoenix, Arizona. She is currently studying Political Science with a minor in Communication with the goal of working for an international non-profit organization. She plans on becoming involved with community service projects and clubs on and off campus during her time at Arizona State University. 

Delaney Overturf is an undergraduate senior from Redondo Beach, California. She is currently pursuing a degree in Communication and a minor in Media Analysis. She is interested in research on interpersonal relationships and communication. She hopes to use her studies to further her interest in public relations.

Taryn Stahl

Taryn Stahl is an undergraduate senior from Scottsdale, Arizona. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology and has an interest in human relationships. She plans to use her studies to earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.

Athena Oskowis

Athena Oskowis is an undergraduate junior from Sedona, Arizona. She is currently working towards a degree in Psychology with a minor in Family and Human Development. She plans to further her education at the doctorate level, focusing on research in interpersonal relationships and cognitive processes. She hopes to use her studies and experience in research to promote her passion for understanding the human psyche.