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

Cassandra Ryder

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. As a multi-method scholar, Marco's research focuses on human-machine communication, artificial intelligence, and the social impact of communication technologies. His work has appeared in journals such as Human-Machine Communication, Human Communication Research, and the International Journal of Social Robotics. You can find more information on his website. 

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. You can listen to her newest podcast, The Date Escape, here.  

Paige Von Feldt

Paige Von Feldt is a first-year health and interpersonal communication doctoral student. She earned both her B.A. and M.A. from the University of Kentucky, where she also minored in Sociology. Paige’s research interests include health and interpersonal communication. Specifically, her research focuses on how internalized stigma impacts the disclosure of a mental illness to close friends. Additionally, her research focuses on attitudes towards seeking mental healthcare and access to mental healthcare. Currently, she is working on a research project examining young adults’ attitudes and intentions to seek mental healthcare using the theory of planned behavior. Additionally, as a part of the Relationships and Technology Lab, she is conducting research with Dr. Liesel Sharabi that explores online dating apps and mental health. 

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. She is employed part-time as a Qualitative Research Aide for Dreamscape Learn. 

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.