Marilyn Markel

Marilyn Markel serves as Assistant Professor of Economics at Illinois College since Fall 2021, based in Kirby Learning Center Room 236 with contact number 217.245.3377.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Applied Economics, Western Michigan University
• M.A. in Applied Economics, Western Michigan University
• B.S. in Applied Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Ferris State University
• B.S. in Finance, Real Estate, Ferris State University

Research centers on Labor Economics and LGBTQ+ Studies intersection, specifically analyzing poverty, earnings, and suicide rate disparities between sexual/gender minorities and heterosexual/cisgender populations. Current work involves developing open-response labor outcomes surveys capturing sexual orientation and gender identity. Additional expertise spans Development Economics and survey methodology.

Professional recognition includes:

• APPAM Equity and Inclusion Fellowship
• AEASP Outstanding Research Fellow Award at Michigan State University

As a first-generation college student and queer woman, she integrates lived experience into scholarship while maintaining passions in cultural humility and sexology outside formal research.