Amelie Macken
Biography
Amelie Macken obtained her master’s degree in communication sciences, with a specialization in New Media and Society, from Ghent University in 2026. For her master’s thesis, she examined the role of hope and efficacy in fostering climate engagement and behavioral intentions. During her studies, she gained research experience through a project on conversational AI for VRT and a research internship at imec-mict, where she explored the relationship between digital connectivity, disconnection and well-being. She also participated in the Quetelet Colleges, Ghent University’s interdisciplinary honours programme.
In September 2026, Amelie started working as a PhD researcher and teaching assistant at the Department of Communication Sciences, within the CEPEC research group. As a teaching assistant, she supports courses in research methodology, including Applied Statistics.
Her doctoral research focuses on how appearance-related products and practices become normalized in children's everyday lives. More specifically, she examines how these products and practices may evolve from popular trends into social norms through ongoing interactions between social media, peers and families.
Project
The normalization of appearance-related products and practices in children's everyday lives
Supervisors: Liselot Hudders
Contact
Technicum, T1, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41, 9000 Ghent