The Population Research Institute (PRI) and the Collaborative on Population Aging Disparities will host the Population Science Seminar Series this fall, featuring hour-long talks from scholars whose research examines population dynamics and the social forces that shape them.
The series brings together researchers studying topics including fertility, mortality and morbidity, migration, marriage and family, and other dimensions of population change. Seminars will take place on select Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. in the Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building, room 314. There is also an option to participate via Zoom for those who cannot attend in person. Pizza lunch will be provided for in-person attendees.
Through initiatives such as the Population Science Seminar Series, PRI seeks to create opportunities for researchers across disciplines to share their work, develop connections and build collaborations around research with potential impact for social policy.
The fall 2026 seminar schedule includes:
- Tuesday, Sept. 15, noon-1 p.m.
Nicole Kreisberg, assistant professor of public policy and sociology, Penn State
“Why So Few Latinos Find Labor Market Success” - Tuesday, Sept. 22, noon-1 p.m.
Leonard Lopoo, associate dean, chair and professor of public administration and international affairs, Syracuse University
“Wanting Children: Family Planning Policies and the Engineering of America’s Population” - Tuesday, Oct. 6, noon-1 p.m.
Ariela Schachter, associate professor of sociology, Washington University in St. Louis
Talk title to be announced - Tuesday, Oct. 13, noon-1 p.m.
Pat Hastings, associate professor of sociology, Colorado State University
“Rags or Riches? Predicting Life Outcomes from the Birth Lottery Across Five High-Income Countries” - Tuesday, Nov. 10, noon-1 p.m.
Elizabeth Ackert, assistant professor of geography, University of California, Santa Barbara
“Latino/a Early Childhood Health Across Destinations” - Tuesday, Nov. 17, noon-1 p.m.
Rebecca Schut, assistant professor of rural sociology, Penn State
“Population Shifts, Policy Changes? Investigating the Demographic and Economic Determinants of State Immigration Policymaking”
The seminars are open to the Penn State community and others interested in population research and related social science topics. The fall series provides opportunities to learn about emerging research, engage with scholars from across the country, and connect with researchers working across disciplinary boundaries.