Nicholas Smith

Nicholas Smith, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Maryland, College Park. His research bridges medical sociology, social psychology, and race-ethnicity studies, focusing on racial residential segregation and health, stress-related health inequalities, and social network activation during health crises. He employs quantitative methods using U.S. census and survey data to explore multilevel factors influencing health disparities.

Education

• Ph.D., Sociology, Indiana University (2023)
• M.A., Sociology, Indiana University (2018)
• B.A., Sociology and Communication, University of Maryland, College Park (2016)

Research Interests

Dr. Smith’s work examines how structural factors like racial segregation intersect with individual stress mechanisms and social networks to shape health outcomes. His studies highlight systemic inequities, particularly among marginalized racial groups, and the role of social support systems during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Advising & Students

Current advisees include Lear Burton, Katelyn Foltz, and Melody Mann. His mentorship emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to understanding health disparities.

Labs/Teams

While no specific lab is mentioned, his collaborations likely involve interdisciplinary teams focused on public health, urban sociology, and social inequities.