Sarah K Cowan

Sarah K. Cowan is an Associate Professor of Sociology at New York University, affiliated with the College of Arts & Science. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and Demography from the University of California, Berkeley (2013). Her research focuses on demography, reproductive health, public policy, survey methodology, communication, and political sociology. Key areas include abortion perceptions, cash transfer impacts on health and fertility, and societal dynamics around sensitive topics like policing and stigma.

Her work employs quantitative and qualitative methods, with recent studies analyzing Alaska’s cash transfer programs, abortion-related public opinion trends, and the effects of pregnancy intentions on health outcomes across regions. She also explores disclosure behaviors and their mental health repercussions, particularly among youth interacting with law enforcement.

Dr. Cowan’s publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to social issues, bridging sociology, economics, and public health. She has contributed to methodological advancements in survey design and synthetic control analyses. Her research underscores the importance of policy evaluation and the societal implications of conflicting values in prosocial behavior.

No specific grants or awards are listed, but her extensive publication record reflects sustained engagement with critical social and demographic challenges.