I am a dual-title Ph.D. student in Sociology and Gerontology at Purdue University. My research and education span sociology, gerontology, advanced research methods, and communication.

My research focuses on how social changes (such as the digitalization and divergence of societal values) shape intergenerational connections and family members' health across the life course. Currently, I am especially interested in studying the health implications of technology-mediated interactions across the life course.  

I am advised by J. Jill Suitor. As a member of the Within-Family Differences Study (WFDS) team,  I collaborate closely with my WFDS colleagues on multiple projects examining family relationships, favoritism, caregiving, and later-life cognitive and psychological health using the WFDS data. See the WFDS publication list here. 

My research is grounded in methodological versatility and a deep appreciation for the value of rigorous and innovative methods. I draw on longitudinal survey data and qualitative interviews, employing a broad range of analytical approaches, including multilevel modeling, network analysis, machine learning, and mixed-methods designs. I am especially committed to advancing the use of mixed-methods approaches in family and gerontology research. I am currently co-authoring several papers with the WFDS team members that evaluate and advance the quality of qualitative data in mixed-methods surveys. 

You are welcome to contact me at he712@purdue.edu. I always enjoy connecting with others and welcome opportunities for collaboration, conversation, and new ideas!