David Merolla

David Merolla is an Associate Professor and Department Chair of the Department of Sociology at Wayne State University. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Kent State University (2010). His research focuses on race and racism, sociology of education, social psychology, and quantitative methods. Merolla examines issues such as structural racism, educational disparities, policing, and identity formation through interdisciplinary lenses.

His work spans topics like immigration attitudes across racial groups, genetic ancestry testing’s impact on racial identity, and the role of racial prejudice in policy attitudes (e.g., marijuana legalization). He also investigates disparities in officer-involved shootings and the sociological impacts of the pandemic on pediatric health.

Merolla teaches courses such as SOC1020 (Social Problems) and SOC7290 (Advanced Social Statistics), emphasizing methodological rigor and critical analysis. His publications appear in journals like Sociological Focus, Sociological Compass, and Sociology of Race and Ethnicity.

His teaching and research reflect a commitment to addressing systemic inequalities and advancing evidence-based solutions.