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Stephen A. Matthews
Professor of Sociology, Anthropology, and Demography; Director, Graduate Program in Demography; Faculty Director, Online Graduate Programs in Applied Demography
• Sociology and Criminology
- University Park
- Visit Stephen A. Matthews's Website
Research Description
I have a longstanding interest in spatial demography and the use of spatial concepts, measures, and methods to study population health and spatial inequality, and the connections between people and places. Recent publications (see below) have focused on physical activity, diet and obesity, residential segregation, neighborhood change, access to health care, health care distrust, cancer screening, infant mortality, mortality, alcohol outlets, crime/victimization, and religious landscapes. I have several ongoing research collaborations at Penn State and beyond. While most of my work is US focused also, I am involved in international projects and collaborations.
Teaching Description
My teaching focuses on Health, Disease & Society/Medical Sociology, Spatial Inequality, Spatial Demography, and GIS/Spatial Analysis. I developed materials for the Graduate Certificate and Masters of Professional Studies (MPS) programs in Applied Demography and teach several courses for this online program.