David Eagle

David Eagle is an Assistant Research Professor of Sociology and Global Health at Duke University specializing in the social and structural determinants of mental and physical health. His research focuses on society and religion, including the changing role of religion in North American society, racial dynamics in religious structures, and clergy wellbeing.

Education:

• PhD in Sociology, 2015, Duke University
• MA in Sociology, 2012, Duke University
• Th.M., 2009, Duke Divinity School
• M.Div., 2002, Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary
• B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, 1997, University of Alberta

Dr. Eagle's research examines how structural factors impact mental and physical health outcomes among religious leaders, with particular attention to burnout, depression, and social support mechanisms. He investigates racial inequality in religious organizations and the evolving religious landscape in North America. His methodological expertise includes survey research, longitudinal studies, social network analysis, and physiological data collection including heart rate variability.

His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on clergy health interventions, religious classification methodologies, and pandemic impacts on religious institutions. Eagle's work bridges sociology, public health, and religious studies through mixed-methods approaches that combine quantitative survey data with qualitative insights from religious communities.

Research Leadership:

• Principal Investigator of The Seminary to Early Ministry Study, a longitudinal cohort study examining health and occupational outcomes among seminary students
• Leader of the Religion and Social Change Lab (RaSCL)
• Collaborator with the Duke Clergy Health Initiative

Dr. Eagle leads the Religion and Social Change Lab (RaSCL), a research team dedicated to using social science tools to deepen understanding of faith leadership and develop resources for religious communities. Through his work with the Duke Clergy Health Initiative, he promotes clergy wellbeing across the professional lifecycle while navigating shifting cultural landscapes in American religion.