Adnan Hoq is a Ph.D. student in the Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) department at the University of Notre Dame. Adnan completed his B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science at St. Joseph’s University in New York. He worked as the lead data scientist for a tech company in NYC for three years before starting his Ph.D. program.
His research lies at the intersection of AI, data science, and computational social science, examining how algorithmic systems and digital platforms shape human behavior and information dynamics. He uses fine-tuned large language and multimodal models to identify trends and narratives in large-scale social media data, testing cognitive and social theories at scale and advancing computational approaches to understanding human-AI interaction and digital ecosystems.
What or who inspired your research and its applications to society?
My research integrates artificial intelligence, data science, and computational social science to study how large-scale digital systems shape behavior, communication, and information flow. My interest in this area began during my time at Microsoft Research, where I worked on a replication study of a renowned stop-and-frisk paper. That experience introduced me to the world of computational social science and demonstrated how data-driven methods can elucidate complex social phenomena and their real-world consequences.
Since then, I have been motivated to leverage my background in data science and machine learning to analyze social media ecosystems, uncover emerging narratives and trends, and better understand the cognitive and behavioral processes that underlie digital interactions.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned about collaboration from working with people outside of your field?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned about collaboration is the importance of bridging expertise across disciplines. In my projects, researchers from fields like computer science and engineering, social science, psychology, political science, and media studies work together, each bringing their own specialized knowledge. While we are experts in our respective domains, we often rely on one another to fill in gaps outside our expertise. By working together, we help fill in the gaps, ensuring that our research is both methodologically rigorous and socially meaningful. This collaborative approach not only enhances the impact of our work but also fosters a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives in solving complex real-world problems.
How has the Lucy Family Institute contributed to your development as a research scholar?
The Lucy Family Institute has been instrumental in my development as a research scholar by providing a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment that broadens my perspective and enhances my skills. Through its events, workshops, and collaborations, I have been exposed to experts from diverse fields, gaining insights into research areas I hadn’t previously considered relevant to my work.
These experiences have helped me refine my research approach, improve my presentation and writing skills, and think more critically about the impact of my work. Additionally, the research of Lucy Scholars and researchers serves as both a learning opportunity and an inspiration, motivating me to push the boundaries of my own research.
To learn more about the Lucy Graduate Scholars program, please visit the webpage.