Michelle Rabaut is a PhD student in Sociology with an interest in unraveling the intricacies of women's lives in the online realm.

Michelle Rabaut is a PhD student in Sociology with an interest in unraveling the intricacies of women’s lives in the online realm. During her first year of her graduate program, Michelle conducted a pilot study aimed at comprehending how young people shape their identities and present themselves on digital platforms. Michelle observed that “the process of constructing an ‘online self’ is a significant source of anxiety and stress for women” in particular. Recognizing the significance of online platforms as a vital social arena, Michelle’s PhD research adopts a structural approach to examine how individuals, particularly young women, “perform” their identities and emotions in digital spaces. Moreover, she delves into the structural implications of these performances on mental health. By emphasizing the interconnectedness of digital platforms and social life, Michelle sheds light on the broader societal context that shapes online experiences. Michelle recently received a fellowship from the National Science Foundation to support this promising research.

Michelle’s academic journey showcases her exceptional accomplishments. Her undergraduate honors thesis uses “ethnographic methods to study how long-term Detroit residents challenged gentrification through urban farming and movements for food sovereignty.” This exceptional thesis earned her two prestigious accolades: the Robert Cooley Angell Award for the best undergraduate thesis and the Virginia Voss Award for excellence in writing by undergraduate women. Additionally, Michelle actively contributed to the University Responses to Sexual Assault project, collaborating with Dr. Sandy Levitsky and Dr. Elizabeth Armstrong. In this undertaking, Michelle investigated the mechanisms through which the media amplified narratives that supported “the criminalization of campus adjudication of sexual misconduct.” Her contributions to this project further exemplify her dedication to research and her commitment to exploring the complex dynamics within society.

CEW+ commends Michelle’s outstanding scholarship and names her a Riecker Graduate Student Research Fellow.