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Beth Michelle Semel is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Princeton University, where she engages deeply with the anthropology of science, technology, and medicine. Semel's research trajectory blends ethnographic methods with critical inquiries into how technology and language intersect, especially within American healthcare settings. Her work directly addresses the sociopolitical implications of technologies such as machine listening in the context of mental healthcare, examining how these tools influence human relationships and care delivery. Semel investigates how data and technology shape societal norms and personal experiences, particularly for marginalized communities. Her current book project explores the dynamics of algorithmic devices used in mental health contexts, analyzing their roles in clinical decision-making and the broader implications for understanding mental distress in contemporary society. Semel is also involved in multiple collaborative projects aimed at unpacking the impact of AI on psychiatric medicine and education, reflecting her commitment to advancing critical, empirically grounded studies in her field. As a member of the Princeton Catalysis Initiative, she contributes to interdisciplinary discussions around the ethical implications of emerging technologies.
Princeton University • Princeton, NJ, USA
Teaching and conducting research in the field of anthropology with a focus on technology and society.
GRE scores are not accepted. Ph.D. is the primary degree; students are not required to hold an M.S.E. prior to admission.