Penn State’s Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) welcomes six new cofunded faculty members, further strengthening its mission of advancing interdisciplinary social and behavior science across the University.
The new SSRI cofunded faculty come from a wide range of colleges and disciplines, with research spanning sociology, criminology, kinesiology, education, nursing, and human development.
Miranda Galvin, assistant professor of sociology and criminology, College of the Liberal Arts
Galvin’s research focuses on the intersections of law, society, and criminal justice reform. She examines how policies, institutions, and communities shape outcomes in the justice system, with a particular interest in rehabilitation and reentry.
Riley Tucker, assistant professor of sociology and criminology, College of the Liberal Arts
Tucker studies urban sociology and criminology, investigating how neighborhood environments, social networks, and structural inequality influence health and safety outcomes. Their work blends quantitative and spatial approaches to understand community-level change.
Janette Watkins, assistant professor of kinesiology, College of Health and Human Development
Watkins’ scholarship centers on physical activity, health equity, and community-based interventions. She explores how movement, exercise, and public health initiatives can reduce disparities and improve wellbeing across diverse populations.
Kari Sherwood, assistant professor of educational psychology, counseling and special education, College of Education
Sherwood investigates teaching and learning processes, with an emphasis on equity in educational outcomes. Her research includes classroom practices, educational policy, and interventions that support underserved student populations
Kathryn Spearman, assistant professor of nursing, College of Nursing
Spearman’s work is grounded in clinical and community health research. She focuses on improving patient care, nursing education, and addressing health disparities, particularly within vulnerable or rural populations.
Elizabeth Skowron, professor of health and human development, College of Health and Human Development
Skowron’s research examines family processes, child development, and interventions that promote resilience in at-risk families. She is especially interested in stress, parenting, and developmental outcomes across the lifespan.
The SSRI cofunding program helps recruit and support faculty whose research bridges multiple disciplines. By partnering with colleges and departments across Penn State, SSRI enhances opportunities for collaboration on complex social challenges.