I’m interested in answering questions around information, quantification and technology through computational and network approaches. I seek to integrate newly digitized and/or previously underutilized sources of data, especially administrative data in an attempt to get at issues around counting and measurement in unconventional ways. My current projects include:
- Estimating mortality and the undercount of mortality in jails and prisons as a function of broader population change.
- Utilizing a network approach to FOIA requests made to the FBI to examine request structure, particularly around how groups and movements respond to a knowledge of surveillance.
My previous projects can be found under the projects tab.
I graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A in Mathematics (Probability/Statistics) and Sociology. While there, I worked as a research assistant at the Biocomplexity Institute, did a brief stint in data science, and taught debate in my spare time.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, film photography, dancing salsa/bachata and exploring Los Angeles through overpriced coffee shops.
Contact: szhang19@g.ucla.edu