PhD Spotlight: Casey Gilbert

Social Dynamics and Civic Engagement

My research focuses on applying computational methods to understand how social systems and social dynamics impact constructive discourse and civic engagement. Fundamentally, I believe that we can apply an understanding of social dynamics to improve democratic decision-making and address complex challenges such as climate change. 

“I believe that we can apply an understanding of social dynamics to improve democratic decision-making and address complex challenges.”

The role of systems in shaping lives

My research interests have evolved from a blend of my natural interests and my experiences. I have long been interested in the outsized role of systems in shaping lives. Over a decade in the Army Reserves has taught me the importance of discourse in bridging diverse perspectives and generating original solutions, and years of climate advocacy and lobbying have elucidated the challenges behind citizens’ engagement with policy formulation. I was formerly a designer and software engineer, and eventually I realized that my technical and design skills could be better applied understanding the social systems that mold and define us. My work and my decision to join the policy school have been heavily influenced by my advisor Moira Zellner. I was very inspired by her work modeling complex systems and using deliberation to co-construct shared solutions within those systems. 

Solving complex problems

My future aspirations are mostly to continue this research in whatever capacity or institution best enables it! I’m a thinker and problem-solver at heart and I hope to keep thinking about and working on problems that deeply matter.