Danial Vahabli

Sociology PhD Student, B.Sc in Physics

I am a Sociology Ph.D. student studying social movements, with a particular focus on Iran. My research employs both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.

Currently, I am pursuing my Ph.D. at Stony Brook University in New York and am a recipient of the graduate fellowship from the Institute for Advanced Computational Sciences.

My research interests revolve around the examination of how social movements attract media attention, express themselves through artistic means, and gain support. To explore these dynamics, I draw from a multidisciplinary framework, incorporating insights from social movements theory, world-society theory, media studies, and cultural sociology. While answering my research questions I employ a mixed-method research technique that combines computational tools such as natural language processing and network science with qualitative methods.

Prior to joining Stony Brook University, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Middle East Technical University in Turkey, complemented by a minor in sociology. During my undergraduate studies, my academic focus centered on simulating collective behavior using CUDA-accelerated agent-based simulation models.

Research Interests

My research interests lies in the intersection of social movements and media studies. I am interested in understanding how and why social movements gain attention and what is the effect of this attention on the trajectory of their movement. My specific area of focus centers on social movements within Iran, and I integrate perspectives from world-society and world-systems theories to understand the global dimensions of these movements.

Awards and Scholarships

Beneficiary of the prestigious graduate fellowship of the Institute of Advanced Computational Sciences.
High Honor Student at the Physics Department. (Spring 2018-Spring 2021)
Ranked 3rd In the Physics Department.
50% Tuition Fee Merit-Based Scholarship
Beneficiary of TUTÜBİTAK (Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) Scholarship for my Work With Prof. Serim Ilday.