Chris Tokita, PhD

Chris Tokita, PhD is a data scientist and complex systems researcher who currently works as a Senior Data Scientist at Stripe, where he partners with security teams to help protect the internet economy.2 Some key points about Chris Tokita:

Education and Research Background

• He completed his PhD at Princeton University in 2021, where he was an NSF Graduate Research Fellow.2
• His research focuses on using computational models and data science to understand social networks, collective behavior, and information flow in complex social systems.2
• He received his B.S. from Yale University in 2014.2

Professional Experience

• Currently a Senior Data Scientist at Stripe.2
• Worked for two years in federal science policy in Washington, D.C. before starting his PhD.2
• Recently joined the Integrity Institute, a member-driven think tank dedicated to creating a safer social internet.45

Advocacy and Policy Work

• Advocates for evidence-based policy in government.2
• Serves on the board of LA-based advocacy nonprofits.2
• Has worked on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in science and higher education.2
• Interned for a New Jersey State Assemblyman, helping research state-level policy related to science, technology, and the environment.1

Research Contributions

Chris has contributed to research on misinformation and social media. In a recent study, he and other researchers found that a small subset of users with extreme ideologies are more likely to believe misinformation on social media.3

Personal Interests

Outside of his professional work, Chris enjoys surfing, watching NBA and LA sports teams, weight lifting, and graphic design.2