5 minutes with Neha Gondal

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.

Fact Box

Neha Gondal

Home Institution: Boston University
Field of Expertise: Social Networks, Culture, and Inequalities
Research Focus: I investigate how social networks reflect and reproduce status distinctions and cultural boundaries. I draw on various cutting-edge techniques such as exponential random graph models, machine learning, multi-level models, and agent-based simulations.
Favorite Moment at SweCSS: Definitely Fika!
Fun Fact: I love cooking and yoga! I also started learning how to play tennis in 2024.

Contact

Contact Sarah if you have questions about SweCSS Fellowship

Organisation

Illustration of people surrounded by data

The Institute for Analytical Sociology (IAS)

IAS conduct cutting-edge research on important social, political and cultural matters. The research is sociological - in its original and broadly conceived meaning.

Department of Management and Engineering (IEI)

The Department of Management and Engineering (IEI) strengthens and develops tomorrow’s industry, business world and society by ground-breaking research, education and innovation.

Department of Computer and Information Science (IDA)

The Department of Computer and Information Science is one of the largest departments in northern Europe in its field. Research activity covers artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, software and computer systems, and data science.

Latest news from LiU

Jonas Rohdin, Steve Lien, Martin Vikblad och Chipo Ziyambe

LiU and Stanford develop drone technology for forest fire monitoring

Students from Linköping University and Stanford have developed a drone that can help firefighters combat forest fires in a safer and smarter way.

LiU and Region Östergötland invest in AI and precision health

Linköping University and Region Östergötland announce initiatives in the areas of life science, medtech, innovation and information-driven precision health in a new collaboration agreement.

A man in a lab applies water to the surface of a yellow-green material.

More effective production of “green” hydrogen with new combined material

Hydrogen produced from water is a promising renewable energy source – especially if the hydrogen is produced using sunlight. Now LiU researchers show that a combination of new materials improves the efficiency of the chemical reaction several times.