I am a Doctoral Candidate and Graduate Teaching Associate in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University. I am a multi-method social scientist who studies Human-Machine Communication, Human-AI Communication, and the social impact of communication technologies.

I use qualitative, quantitative, and rhetorical methods including interviews, textual analysis, thematic analysis, surveys, and experiments. My work integrates methods, concepts, and theories from a variety of disciplines and areas including communication studies, critical/cultural studies, human-computer and human-robot interaction, as well as sexuality studies.

Currently, I am working on my PhD with a focus on how humans build relationships with machines such as social robots and AI technologies. In particular, my dissertation uses qualitative methods to explore human-machine relationality (how humans form relationships with machines like robots and interactive dolls).

My research has been published in a variety of academic journals such as Human Communication Research, Human-Machine Communication, the International Journal of Social Robotics, and in book chapters published by Routledge and SAGE. Our article Dehnert & Mongeau (2022) received the 2022 Outstanding Article Award from the Human Communication and Technology Division of the National Communication Association.

Check out the BBC Science Focus’ podcast Instant Genius, where I was a conversation partner on the topic of The new world of AI relationships. I was on NPR’s Marketplace Tech podcast on the topic of Love in the time of AI. Also, check out my public scholarship in The Conversation on Sex, love and companionship … with AI? Why human-machine relationships could go mainstream and in the Independent on In defense of humans dating robots. In June 2022, I was featured on the National Communication Association’s Podcast Series “Communication Matters” on the topic of alternative academic careers for communication graduate students. In October 2022, I was featured on the German science communication portal Wissenschaftskommunikation.de in an interview on the topic of transformation.

Don’t hesitate to contact me. I am also happy to share PDFs of my publications with you in case you or your institution does not have access.