Penn State’s Executive Vice President and Provost, Dr. Fotis Sotiropoulus, recently visited the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) as part of his initial tour of Penn State research institutes.
Dr. Sotiropoulus heard from Director Dr. Deborah Ehrenthal, who gave an overview of SSRI’s mission, activities, and the 18 research centers and workgroups under the SSRI.
Also presenting were:
- Dr. Abeena Jones - Ann Atherton Hertzler Early Career Professor; SSRI Co-Funded Faculty; Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Studies (HHD)
- Dr. Sheridan Miyamoto, Director, SAFE-T Center, Associate Professor of Nursing (NR)
- Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar, SSRI Associate Director; McCourtney Professor of Child Studies and Professor of Psychology (CLA)
- Dr. Sy-Miin Chow, Director, Quantitative Developmental Systems Methodology Core; Professor, Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HHD)
- Dr. Ashton Verdery, Director, Collaborative on Population Aging Disparities; Professor of Sociology, Demography, and Social Data Analytics (CLA)
- Dr. Chris Fowler, Director, Federal Statistical Data Research Center; Professor of Geography (EMS)
- Dr. Daniel Perkins, Director, Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness; Distinguished Professor of Family and Youth Resiliency and Policy Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education (AG)
- Dr. Lori Francis, Co-Director, Community Engaged Research, Action, and Partnerships; Professor of Biobehavioral Health (HHD)
- Dr. Joshua Rosenberger, Director, Survey Research Center; Associate Professor of Biobehavioral Health (HHD)
- Dr. Jenny Van Hook, Director, Population Research Institute; Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Demography (CLA)
Dr. Sotiropoulus remarked on SSRI’s impact translating rigorous social and behavioral science into research outcomes that improve lives, inform policy, and strengthen communities across the Commonwealth and beyond.
“From substance use and mental health to child development, population aging, rural health, and AI and society, SSRI exemplifies research that advances Penn State’s land‑grant mission,” he said. “I was equally impressed by the caliber of the faculty—scholars whose work reflects deep disciplinary excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration, and who shape national conversations while influencing practice and policy at the highest levels.”
“Just as important is SSRI’s strong commitment to student engagement, providing undergraduate and graduate students with meaningful research experiences, mentorship, and pathways into impactful careers. My sincere thanks to Dr. Deborah Ehrenthal, and the Penn State Social Science Research Institute faculty and staff for organizing an amazing visit—and for the vital work you do every day in service to Penn State University and the public good.”
More images from the event can be found here.