People

Chrystal is an alumnus of UC Berkeley, where she studied sociology and education with a focus on social psychology research and methods. As the Director of Research at Stanford’s Polarization and Social Change Lab (PaSCL), she manages the lab’s operations, oversees high-impact research projects, and mentors postdoctoral researchers and doctoral students. In addition, Chrystal is the Director of PaSCL's Emerging Scholars Program, where she guides the development of post-baccalaureate research coordinators and undergraduate research assistants, helping them gain foundational and advanced research experience.

Chrystal has contributed to a wide array of research initiatives addressing political polarization, social change, and the use of AI for social good. Her work spans projects related to pathways to a healthy democracy, strategies for effective social movements, and leveraging AI to improve societal outcomes.

When she's not leading cutting-edge research, Chrystal enjoys searching for sea glass on the beach, participating in agility training with her dog, Spaceman, and planning her next Halloween costume.