Elizabeth Popp Berman

Elizabeth Popp Berman is the Richard H. Price Professor and Director of Organizational Studies at the University of Michigan, with a courtesy appointment in Sociology. She specializes in economic sociology, organizational studies, and the sociology of science and knowledge. Her work examines how economics became central to U.S. public policy, as detailed in her acclaimed book Thinking Like an Economist. Previously an Associate Professor at the University at Albany, SUNY, she earned her degrees from the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and UC Berkeley (MA, PhD).

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree: University of Pennsylvania
• Master's Degree: University of California, Berkeley
• Doctorate: University of California, Berkeley

Research Interests: Dr. Berman explores the intersection of economics, policy, and institutional change, with a focus on how quantitative frameworks shape decision-making in public and academic settings. Her work bridges historical analysis and contemporary policy debates, particularly in higher education and science policy.

Awards and Recognition:

• American Sociological Association Awards (for Creating the Market University)
• Social Science History Association Awards (for Creating the Market University)

Advising & Grants: She oversees courses like OS295 and OS495, where students analyze institutional challenges (e.g., university responses to pandemic disruptions). Her research has been featured in The Atlantic and highlighted for its impact on policy discourse.

Labs/Teams: Directs the Organizational Studies program and serves on the Advisory Committee and OSLC (Organizational Studies Learning Community).