Mahesh Somashekhar

Mahesh Somashekhar is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Illinois-Chicago. He is also an external affiliate of the University of Chicago's Stone Center for Research on Wealth Inequality and Mobility and the University of Washington's Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology. His research focuses on how urban economic development impacts marginalized communities and how these communities contribute to such development, with a focus on gentrification, immigrant entrepreneurship, LGBTQ+ urban spaces, and religious economies.

His research methodologies include digitizing historical data (e.g., LGBTQ+ Yellow Pages) and analyzing contemporary economic sectors tied to Christian Nationalism. He has published in journals like Social Problems, City & Community, and Urban Affairs Review. His work has been supported by the National Science Foundation and recognized with an award from the American Association of Geographers.

Dr. Somashekhar's current projects include studying the displacement of LGBTQ+ organizations during gentrification and examining the Christian Nationalist marketplace as an alternative economy. These projects blend qualitative and quantitative approaches to understand economic, political, and cultural intersections.

His research on marginalized communities’ responses to policy changes (e.g., minimum wage increases) highlights the resilience and challenges faced by immigrant-owned businesses. He advocates for inclusive urban policies that mitigate displacement and empower vulnerable groups.