Miao is a mixed-methods researcher analyzing and interpreting social media data in a rapidly changing environment.
Miao is a senior research scientist at NORC’s Social Data Collaboratory specializing health media and communication research. With over 17 years of experience, she evaluates media campaign messages and outcomes using advanced quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Her expertise lies in analyzing and interpreting traditional and social media data to assess their impact in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Miao has led and contributed to multiple high-impact research projects. She serves as the principal investigator on studies funded by the National Cancer Institute (R01CA283038, R03CA252680) and has played a key role in projects supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Truth Initiative, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Before joining NORC in 2016, Miao conducted research on media framing and the influence of new media, particularly social media, on daily life. Her doctoral dissertation examined cyber nationalism, providing insights into how social groups shape and direct opinion discourses.
Education
PhD
University of Illinois at Chicago
MA
University of Wisonsin - Milwaukee
BA
Sichuan Normal University, China
Project Contributions
Publications
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opens in new tabExploring #MentholBan on TikTok: a Thematic and Semantic Network Analysis
Journal Article | February 21, 2024
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opens in new tab"How Right Now? Supporting Mental Health and Resilience Amid COVID-19."
Journal Article | June 5, 2022
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opens in new tab"How Right Now: The Role of Social Determinants of Health as They Relate to Emotional Well-Being Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic."
Journal Article | June 6, 2022
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opens in new tab"Exploring the Discursive Function of Hashtags: A Semantic Network Analysis of JUUL-Related Instagram Messages."
Journal Article | November 7, 2021
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opens in new tab"Assessing the Impact of FDA’s 'The Real Cost' Campaign in Social Media."
Project Report | April 6, 2021
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opens in new tab#Toolittletoolate: JUUL-Related Content on Instagram before and after Self-Regulatory Action."
Journal Article | May 27, 2020
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opens in new tab"Twitter Analysis of California's Failed Campaign to Raise the State's Tobacco Tax by Popular Vote in 2012."
Journal Article | July 1, 2017