Welcome! I'm Emily McKinley, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Communication at the University of California, Davis, where I study how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence shape human behavior and social interaction. 

My research operates at the intersection of behavioral science and computational methods, with applications in health communication and pro-social contexts. I'm particularly interested in understanding how AI can be used responsibly as both a research tool and as an agent that influences attitudes and behaviors. I examine questions like whether AI can accurately simulate human responses in persuasive interactions, how individual differences predict technology adoption patterns, and how computational approaches can advance intervention design and behavioral change strategies. Through my work, I aim to establish methodological standards for AI deployment while creating evidence-based tools that researchers and practitioners can use to address real-world challenges.

Before pursuing my PhD, I spent over five years in consumer research and customer experience management, including roles as Director of Customer Experience at Cotopaxi , Customer Research Manager at Maverik, Inc, and Director of Operations at Gigi Pip. This industry experience fundamentally shapes how I approach research and teaching. I'm committed to bridging theory with practice, and I actively maintain industry connections to create opportunities for students through guest speakers and internship partnerships.

Beyond research and teaching, I'm a proud member of "momademia." My dinosaur-loving toddler keeps me grounded and reminds me daily why accessible, human-centered work matters. In my free time, my family enjoys the outdoors through mountain biking, skiing, and canyoneering.