Politics of Algorithms
How does an algorithm enact as sociotechnical systems to see and evaluate people? How do people return the gaze?
My studies under this theme examines different algorithmic sociotechnical systems that increase the legibility of people for the state and market. I aim to move beyond the algorithm-determinism perspective by exploring the messiness and interactive configuration process of algorithmic systems. I have studied the contact tracing APP and social credit systems in China.
Social Studies of Public Health
How is public health associated with and influenced by power and political structures?
My projects under this theme focus on politics around public health and sexuality. Chinese modernism and authoritarianism produce a hybrid of the Foucauldian reproductive biopower and authoritarian repressive power. I am interested in how do they interact with and/or contradict each other in producing subjectivity and disease control. My latest project contextualizes different societies' COVID-19 responses under their sociopolitical structures.
Public Health Studies
What are the social determinants of health? What are the social determinants of HIV/AIDS risks among gay, bisexual, and other sexual minorities in China?
I study non-behavioral social factors that might influence people's health outcomes. Particularly, my research focused on sexual minority's HIV-related risks, such as anticipated stigma, gender identity, or sexual orientation. My personal interests also lead me to study the role of emerging technologies, such as social media and mobile APP, in the HIV epidemic.
