MPC People

Q: How did you get involved in the field of population studies?
A: When I walked through the doors of the Social Science building at the University of Wisconsin to begin my graduate school career in sociology, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be when I grew up. Fortunately, the Center for Demography and Ecology was giving out free career advice. It was here that I developed my interest in fertility and family related behavior – especially the underlying social causes of sexual and family formation choices, and the consequences of those choices for health and well-being. At Wisconsin and later at PAA meetings, I heard smart people talking about these issues from a variety of different angles. This fueled my interest and provided a community of engaged scholars. Since I finished my Ph.D. in 2003, I’ve found a new and exciting home in the MPC.

Q: What are you working on now?
A: The dating scene and having sex. Most of my current research focuses on fertility and family-related decisions during adolescence and the transition to adulthood. One project examines the effects of early sexual activity on a number of adolescent outcomes including mental health, attitudes and values, and relationships with parents and peers. A second project examines the role of adolescent romantic relationships in shaping the structure and quality of young adult relationships. I’ve also long had an interest in sexual health education. With international collaborators, I am exploring the possibility of some comparative work on sexual health education interventions in the U.S., China,
and Tanzania. 

Q: Why did you get involved with the MPC?
A: The MPC is one of the main reasons I came to the University of Minnesota. I knew how important a population home was to me, and I was particularly impressed with the momentum of the MPC. I have not been disappointed with my decision. MPC has served as an exciting intellectual home as evidenced by the weekly seminars and the hallway conversations. The MPC has also proven a huge asset for developing my research. The summer after I arrived, my MPC colleagues urged me to apply for a K01 new investigator award from the population division of NICHD. With some serious hand-holding and guidance from them, my proposal was successful!

Q: How do you like living in Minnesota?
A: Living in the middle of the country means I rarely travel for more than 3 hours to a PAA meeting! I like the diversity and cultural resources that come with city life, yet the Twin Cities metro area is a pretty manageable size. It makes for interesting yet easy living. I grew up in Minnesota so the transition back was relatively easy for me. I love the change of seasons, and know to embrace winter instead of fighting it. The hardest part is dealing with a husband that grew up in Florida! He’s still fighting it.