about

Who am I and why do I have a website?

I’m a PhD Candidate in Political Communication at the Strategic Communication Group at Wageningen University & Research with a research focus on the intersection of science, media, and politics.

I studied Political Science at the University of Mannheim, where I developed a strong interest in political systems and public discourse. I then completed a Research Master’s degree in the Social Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, with a specialization in Political Communication. The interdisciplinary setup of the program allowed me to combine perspectives from media studies, political science, and sociology.

My current research looks at how science becomes politicized in public debate—especially how actors use scientific uncertainty to cast doubt, shape narratives, or influence public trust. I’m particularly interested in topics like health misinformation, populist communication, and polarization. Methodologically, I work with computational text analysis, surveys, and experiments.

Outside of academia, I enjoy bird watching (yes, really), experimenting with vegan recipes that don’t always work out, and lifting heavy things at the gym to balance all the time I spend thinking about misinformation, democratic erosion, and hate speech.

cv

You can view or download my full curriculum vitae here.

research

Current projects, accepted papers, and published work.

• Roth, D.J., Bai, N., Biesbroek, R., Dewulf, A., Kruikemeier, S., De Leur, D., van der Velden, M.A.C.G., de Vries, E., & Vliegenthart, R. (2025).
  “Unveiling Climate Adaptation: A Comprehensive Analysis of Agenda-Setting Dynamics in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.” Science Communication. DOI
• Schrijver, L., Roth, D.J., Jans, E. G. M., Vrielink, J., & Guldemond, P. (2025).
  “Effective Ways of Casting Doubt? Examining the Different Effects of Blatant and Suggestive Disinformation.” International Journal of Communication. DOI
• Van der Velden, M.A.C.G., López Ortega, A., Roth, D.J., & Guldemond, P. (2025).
  “Populism and Polarization: A Nostalgic Narrative of ‘Us’ and ‘Them’.” Government & Opposition. DOI
• Roth, D.J., Schäfer, S., Kruikemeier, S., & Vliegenthart, R.
  “Public Attitudes Toward Science and Politics: Understanding Public Perceptions in 16 European Countries.” Under Review
• Schäfer, S., Roth, D.J., Mede, N., Kruikemeier, S., & Vliegenthart, R.
  “Playing it Smart: Can Gamification and Alarmist Framing Improve Public Understanding of Zoonotic Diseases?.” Under Review
• Van der Velden, M., López Ortega, A., Roth, D.J., & Guldemond, P.
  “Do We All Long for the Past? Investigating Nostalgia as a Persuasive Political Rhetorical Strategy.” Under Review
• Roth, D.J., De Vries, E., Schäfer, S., Kruikemeier, S., & Vliegenthart, R.
  “Targeted Hostility: Hateful Communication in YouTube Comments towards Journalists, Politicians, and Scientists.” Work in Progress
• Roth, D.J., van der Velden, M.A.C.G., & Damstra, A.
  “The Scientization of Politics: How Politicians Use Science Instrumentally to Depoliticize Conflict.” Work in Progress

connect

Please reach out if you have questions or would like to talk about research.