September 30, 2020 | News | Welcome to the MPIDR

Gordon Rinderknecht is new researcher at the Digital and Computational Demography Lab

© MPIDR/Wilhelm

How do people spend their time throughout a typical day? And how to collect data about it? That is what Gordon Rinderknecht, new researcher at the Digital and Computational Demography Lab drives most in his research. In Rostock, he likes the architecture and the view from his office the most; and German bread.

1. What question drives you most in your research?

I want to know how people spend their time throughout a typical day, the extent to which they are with others or alone, and associated health outcomes. I am especially driven by the methodological challenges of collecting the kinds of data necessary for answering these sorts of questions.

2. What are you particularly looking forward to as you start working at MPIDR?

I am excited to continue my research on time use and social engagement, especially in light of the changes brought about by COVID-19. I also look forward to branching out from this topic by collaborating with my new colleagues in the Digital Demography Lab, such as by looking at how media consumption may be replacing social engagement both in the short term, due to COVID-19, as well as due to developments in technology over the past several decades.

3. What do you like most about Rostock?

The architecture, the public transportation, the fact that Germans (unlike many Americans) don’t blare music from their windows as they drive by, and view from my office, the bread - I could keep going...

4. What are you obsessed with at the moment besides demography?

At the risk of sounding boring: IKEA. I’ve never had to decorate an apartment from scratch. There are so many options to consider!