Heather Macpherson Parrott

Heather Macpherson Parrott is an Associate Professor of Sociology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Long Island University (LIU), where she has been a faculty member since 2009. She teaches a range of courses including Research Methods, Sociological Statistics, Race and Ethnicity, Immigration, Poverty, and Gendered Violence.

Education:

• B.S. in Sociology, College of Charleston Honors College
• Ph.D. in Sociology, University of Georgia
• Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, University of Georgia

Her research centers on race, class, and gender inequality, with a strong emphasis on teaching pedagogy and community-based research. She has published innovative teaching methods in Teaching Sociology and advanced statistical analyses on women’s wages and household dynamics in top journals such as Social Science Research and Qualitative Sociology. Her recent work focuses on public sociology and collaborative knowledge production with community organizations.

Dr. Parrott’s recent publications reflect a growing trend toward applied, action-oriented sociology that bridges academic research and community needs. Her work spans feminist sociology, education, immigration, and nonprofit engagement, demonstrating a commitment to socially relevant scholarship.

Scientific Awards:

• David Newton Award for Excellence in Teaching, Long Island University (2014)

Dr. Parrott is actively involved in advising and grant-related academic service. She directs the Long Island Applied Research Center, an interdisciplinary initiative that partners with local organizations to conduct community-based research. While specific grant funding is not listed, her applied projects suggest active engagement in securing external support for community partnerships. She has co-authored multiple publications with colleagues, indicating collaborative research mentorship.

Labs and Teams: She leads the Long Island Applied Research Center, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between faculty and Long Island community organizations to produce actionable social research.