News
PSTC News
Fussell investigates the effects of natural disasters and economic turmoil on migration from Puerto Rico
January 22, 2021
Fussell hopes that by developing a longitudinal data set from 2000 to 2020, she will better understand how the 2006 and 2017 disasters influenced migration from Puerto Rico to the U.S.
Celebrating PSTC staff
December 18, 2020
In 2020, we celebrated two staff milestones: Tom Alarie's 25 years working at PSTC, and Sue Silveira's retirement.
Physical symptoms arising after disasters typically resolve over time, study finds
December 17, 2020
PSTC Postdoctoral Research Associate Meghan Zacher studies how natural disasters affect physical health in a new paper.
Franklin highlights gatekeeping and lack of diversity in quantitative human geography through examination of editorial boards
December 14, 2020
With a focus on the demographic composition of the editorial teams of flagship quantitative geography journals, Franklin and her team investigated the persistent lack of gender diversity.
Journaling project captures the experiences of ordinary people during COVID-19 pandemic
December 9, 2020
In order to collect submissions without being “extractive or intrusive,” users maintain ownership over their submissions and sign consent forms to share their anonymous entries.
Steenland studies effects of new Medicaid reimbursement policy for postpartum contraceptives
December 7, 2020
Steenland believes that providing long-acting reversible contraception in the immediate postpartum period will give women more control over childbearing.
COVID-19 School Response Dashboard equips parents, teachers, and policymakers with infection data
December 3, 2020
PSTC economist Emily Oster's dashboard has been featured in the New York Times, NPR, and in her own Opinion article for the Washington Post.
Effects of paternal education on infant health outcomes vary by race and ethnicity, Rangel and Rauscher find
November 24, 2020
“Looking at the relationship between paternal education and infant health is another way to understand how parents pass on their educational advantages to their children," Rangel said.
In the News

3 reasons Americans need more federal aid
January 22, 2021 | CNN | John Friedman
PSTC economist John Friedman comments on why traditional stimulus payments aren't as effective during the pandemic.

Consumer Confidence Increasing Despite Stalled Job Growth
January 11, 2021 | Forbes | Neil Thakral
In the context of consumer confidence, PSTC economist Neil Thakral explains how the speed at which the CARES Act stimulus payments are distributed impacts their potential to stimulate the economy.

How Has Boston Gotten Away with Being Segregated for So Long?
December 8, 2020 | Boston Magazine | Joseph Hogan
PSTC sociologist John Logan describes the history of both informal and legally binding racial segregation between neighborhoods.

Why These Countries Value Happiness Over Endless Economic Growth
December 2, 2020 | HuffPost | Patrick Heller
PSTC sociologist Patrick Heller argues that India should invest in social safety nets to protect citizens from future crises.
Medical journal editorial refutes WHO finding on Gilead's remdesivir for COVID-19
December 2, 2020 | Reuters | Joseph Hogan
PSTC biostatistician Joseph Hogan is one author of the editorial that Reuters is summarizing

Schools are not spreading COVID-19. This new data makes the case.
November 24, 2020 | The Washington Post | Emily Oster
PSTC economist Emily Oster discusses whether schools are sites of significant COVID-19 transmission.
COVID-19's Third Surge Is Breaking Health-Care Workers
November 13, 2020 | The Atlantic | Megan Ranney
PSTC Epidemiologist Meghan Ranney comments on the continued hardship that healthcare workers face.
RI health experts cautiously optimistic about Pfizer vaccine news
November 9, 2020 | The Providence Journal | Mark Lurie
Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial data is “potentially groundbreaking,” according to PSTC epidemiologist Mark Lurie, although he emphasized that we have not yet observed any long-term effects.