28 January 2025

Meet Dr. Neha Gondal from Boston University, an expert in social networks, culture, and inequalities who uses cutting-edge computational techniques to explore how networks shape societal boundaries. Her passion for collaborative research and love for Swedish fika made her first visit to SweCSS a memorable and inspiring experience.

What drew you to apply for the SweCSS Visiting Fellows Program, and how does it align with your research interests?

I have a joint appointment in the Department of Sociology and the Faculty of Computing and Data Sciences at Boston University. The research goals and focus on computational social science at SweCSS aligns very well with my research agenda.

How would you describe your experience after your first visit to SweCSS in November 2024?

I had a productive and enjoyable visit in November 2024. It was wonderful to meet and learn about the work being done by faculty and students at the center. What excited me most about the center is the concentration of computational work that engages seriously with social scientific theory and research. I also deeply appreciated the hospitality shown by members of the center.

Was there anything about Swedish culture or life that surprised you?

I had a lunch or coffee with multiple colleagues nearly every day that I visited. I'm not sure if that is routine workplace culture in Sweden, but, as a relational sociologist, I relished the opportunity to meet with and talk with so many members of the SweCSS community.

What are your hopes for your next visit to SweCSS in April 2025?
I would like to meet more members of the SweCSS community including those at the Linkoping campus.

Contact

Read more about SweCSS visiting fellows programme

Organisation

Latest news from LiU

Nigel Musk.

25 years with Language and Culture – Nigel Musk was there from the start

The research environment Language and Culture was established in 2000. Nigel Musk, who left London for Sweden in his youth, has been a part of it from the beginning. Here, he reflects on the development of the environment and the challenges ahead.

Professor Maria Brandén.

Sociologist by chance

Sociologist Maria Brandén studies society from a bird’s eye perspective. As head of the Institute for Analytical Sociology at Linköping University, she wants to create research that influences important political decisions.

Two portraits.

New Wallenberg Academy Fellows researching 6G and AI

LiU researchers Jendrik Seipp and Zheng Chen have been appointed as new Wallenberg Academy Fellows. The funding gives promising researchers the opportunity to tackle challenging research questions that require a long-term approach.