Rourke O’Brien

Rourke O’Brien is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Yale University, with a secondary appointment in Public Health–Health Policy. His research focuses on inequality, household and public finance, economic mobility, and population health in rich democracies. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology & Social Policy from Princeton University (2014) and an A.B. in Social Studies from Harvard University (2006).

• Education:
• Ph.D., Sociology & Social Policy, Princeton University, 2014
• A.B., Social Studies, Harvard University, 2006
• RWJF Health & Society Postdoctoral Fellowship, Harvard University, 2014–2015

His research bridges sociology, economics, and public health, addressing topics like tax policy, financial instability, and health disparities. He co-authored Taxing the Poor (UC Press, 2011) and publishes in journals such as the American Journal of Sociology, JAMA IM, and PLOS Medicine.

Prior to academia, he served as a Senior Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of the Treasury (2012–2014) and held roles at the New America Foundation and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. His policy work has informed media outlets like the New York Times and Washington Post.

He is on sabbatical for the fall 2024 semester and uses Calendly for office hours scheduling.