Michael Vuolo

Michael Vuolo is a Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Sociology at The Ohio State University. His research focuses on three core areas: substance use policy and deviance, criminal justice system impacts, and methodological innovation. He examines how drug policies affect youth behavior, employment barriers for those with criminal records, and the intersection of health and social control.

Research Interests:

• Substance use policy and its societal implications
• Impact of criminal records on labor market access
• Methodological advancements in sociological research
• Health disparities linked to substance use and policy

Notable Achievements:

• Recipient of multiple awards from the American Sociological Association, including the Distinguished Scholarly Paper Award
• Lead researcher on studies exploring vaping policies, opioid misuse, and racialized drug criminalization
• Co-author of influential papers on tobacco control policies and their public health outcomes

Awards:

• 2025 Honorable Mention, ASA Drugs and Society Section
• 2023 WINNER, ASA Drugs and Society Section
• 2023 Honorable Mention, ASA Medical Sociology Section
• 2019 WINNER, ASA Medical Sociology Section

Leadership and Grants:

• Director of Graduate Studies shaping departmental academic programs
• Principal investigator on multiple NIH-funded projects analyzing drug policy and public health