Social science research has demonstrated that many individual decisions are the function of group dynamics. One methodology used to better understand this phenomenon is social network analysis, which centers on social relations, rather than individuals and their attributes. Social network analysis has been applied to a number of development topics, from understanding the adoption of innovations to the diffusion of microfinance. This presentation will begin by providing background into the collection, analysis, and interpretation of social network data. Then, several examples of its application in different development fields will be discussed. Finally, findings from a social network study conducted on latrine reconstruction in flood-affected Ethiopian households will be presented. Breakout groups will be incorporated throughout the talk to engage participants in discussion.

PRESENTER:
Katie Chambers is a doctoral candidate in Civil Engineering (environmental focus) at the University of Colorado Boulder. She received her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO), and her master’s degree in Civil Engineering (environmental focus) from the University of Colorado Boulder. She completed certificatesi n Engineering for Developing Communities from the Mortenson Center in Global Engineering and in Science & Technology Policy from the Center for Science and Technology Policy Research. Katie’s dissertation research has focused on sanitation resilience and reconstruction in hazard-prone areas, with extensive fieldwork in Ethiopia, which draws on her interests in infrastructure in hazard-prone, resource-limited contexts.

Registrants will receive the Zoom link at least one hour prior to the meeting. The Posner Center for International Development is committed to accessibility and inclusion for all people. To request additional accommodations or for questions about accessibility, please contact Lauren Andraski at or 720-515-9074.