Research Scientist

Megan Evans

Hello! I am currently a research scientist (postdoctoral researcher) and the PhD Training Chair for the Social Demography Department at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) in Rostock, Germany. I graduated with my PhD in Sociology and Demography from Pennsylvania State University in May 2023.

My research investigates the social processes that perpetuate place-based inequalities and shape racial and ethnic disparities, population health, and social stratification. I pursue these interests through two interconnected lines of inquiry: 1) structural racism and place-based inequalities, exploring how racialized perceptions of place and structural racism shape housing markets, neighborhood reputations, and segregation; and 2) population mobility and neighborhood networks, examining how social and spatial networks influence mobility, health disparities, and neighborhood spillovers. I integrate advanced methods – including social network analysis, spatial analytics, and text and sentiment analysis – and a variety of data types – including traditional surveys, censuses, and big data – to deepen our sociological understanding of urban stratification. Ultimately, my research aims to inform policy efforts to address housing inequality, segregation, and health disparities across communities.